Following the controversy around the ‘kissing competition’ in Jharkhand, the state government has directed the local Pakur district administration to launch a probe into the matter. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had raised an objection to the contest which was organised at the traditional Sidho-Kanho Mela in Jhumaria village, Santhal Pargana region on December 10.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLAs Simon Marandi and Stephen Marandi had organised a ‘kissing competition’ for married couples in an effort to reduce the increasing divorce rates in the region. However, the BJP viewed it as an “insult to the culture” and the party’s Jharkhand unit Vice-President Hemlal Murmu even demanded their suspension.
The Raghubar Das govt has ordered a probe into the controversial ‘kissing competition’ in the Santhal Pargana region.(Courtesy: Express Photo/Kevin D’Souza)
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A Deputy Superintendent of Police and a Sub-divisional Magistrate are now investigating the matter upon direction from the Pakur district administration. It is also likely that the administration will build a case of indecent behaviour in public against the organisers and even participants, an India Today report stated.
Additionally, with the controversy surrounding the event, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren issued a show-cause notice to Simon Marandi, soliciting a response within the week.
JMM chief Shibu Soren (Courtesy: Express Photo/Renuka Puri)
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Earlier, a video showing couples participating in the event as the spectators cheered on went viral on social media. As many as 20 married couples participated in the event and the top three winning couples were even awarded cash prizes.
The event was viewed as indecent by Murmu who told the media,
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…This is an insult to women power.
