JMM MLAs attract controversy.
Two Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLAs have courted controversy by organising a "kissing competition" for tribal couples during a traditional village fair in Pakur district, with the BJP demanding that they be suspended from the Assembly as they had "insulted" the local culture. Now, the state government has constituted a two-member committee to probe the incident.
However, JMM MLA Simon Marandi, who was the organiser, said the "kissing competition" was held to stop the increasing number of divorce in the tribal society. Simon Marandi is JMM MLA from Littipara in Santhal Pargana. Party MLA Stephen Marandi was also present in the fair. A video of the "kissing competition" last night during the fair in Jhumaria village in Santhal Pargana, around 400 km from the state capital, went viral on social media recently. In the video tribal couples are seen locked in a kiss while the crowd cheered.
BJP's Jharkhand unit vice president Hemlal Murmu demanded suspension of Simon Marandi and Stephen Marandi from the state Assembly over the issue. "JMM MLAs Simon Marandi and Stephen Marandi have insulted the culture of Santhal Pargana in the name of Hul Mela and organised kissing competition . We demand their suspension from the House and not allowing them to attend the winter session starting tomorrow," state BJP Vice President Hemlal Murmu told reporters at Ranchi.
Now, the state government which is ruled by BJP has ordered a probe in the entire matter. According to a Hindustan times report, the state government has formed a two member committee to probe the incident. The committee went to the village on Tuesday and enquired about the entire incident. One of the committee members told the newspaper, that they are identifying couples who took part in the competition. The organisers may also land into trouble. According to Pakur sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Jitendra Kumar Deo who is part of the probe, “Prima facie it seems a case of indecent behaviour in public place, which is a violation of sections 292, 293 and 294 of Indian Penal Code. If it is established, the offenders would be prosecuted accordingly". The final report is likely to be submitted soon.
With PTI inputs
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