TNR News Network
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu issued a clarification on Saturday regarding the controversy surrounding the “jungli murga” (wild chicken), which had set the internet abuzz since Friday night. Sukhu explained that non-vegetarian food is an integral part of life in the hills, and it was the local villagers who had offered him ‘desi murga’ during his visit to Tikkri village.
In a video statement shared on his official social media page, Sukhu further emphasized that his interaction with the villagers was a demonstration of his compassionate leadership, as he was seen playing with children. The video was followed by several reels depicting him in a light-hearted, approachable manner.
The controversy began when the list of menu items served during the event went viral on social media. Among the 14 items listed, ‘jungli murga’ was mentioned as the 12th item. This triggered a flurry of discussions online, with critics raising concerns over the legality of serving a protected species, suggesting that it violated the Wildlife Protection Act.
The incident has become a significant issue for the Congress government, which recently launched the “Back to Village” campaign to connect with people in rural areas. Initially, the campaign was seen as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s image, but the controversy surrounding the “jungli murga” appears to have marred its impact.
Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s clarification came as an attempt to shift focus back to his government’s outreach efforts, but the backlash over the menu item has raised questions about the administration’s oversight and sensitivity toward wildlife laws. Whether the issue will impact the popularity of the campaign remains to be seen.
