Jharkhand: JMM legislator organises kissing contest, BJP cries foul

Kissing maybe taboo in most of India society but it’s a hugely popular sport to celebrate love and romance in Pakur district in Jharkhand.

Over 18-odd tribal couples locked lips in the presence of thousands of spectators in Dumaria village.

The competition was organised by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator Simon Marandi who organised the competition.

He told: “Tribals are basically innocent and illiterate. Due to which, the family system is weakening. To make them aware of our social structure and responsibility towards the family, the idea of a kissing competition was conceived.”

Marandi had beaten BJP’s Hemlal Murmu with 12,900 votes in the April 2017 by-election.

The Dumaria Mela is has been held for 37 years and has events like tribal dance, archery and running competitions are organised to entertain villagers. The kissing competition was added for the first time.

 “Earlier, the village competition was organised in a smaller space but this year it was held in a football ground where thousands of people from other villagers also took part,” Marandi said.

The BJP however were not amused with the competition. Ramesh Pushkar, a senior BJP leader told IANS: “What is the JMM trying to prove by organising such a competition? There are many ways that could be adopted to end the hesitation of the tribal people. Simon Marandi has tried to make a mockery of the tribal culture and tradition.”

Dumaria’s total population is 333 of which 169 are males and 164 are females as per the census report of 2011. The literacy rate however is only 25%.