The Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) has sparked a row after one of its leaders mocked at the BJP for highlighting the ongoing tension across Line of Control (LoC). Saroj Singh, the JVM (P) General Secretary termed the growing tension across LoC as murga ladai (cockfight) being highlighted by the BJP.

Participating at local television debate which was aired on October 12, the JVM (P) leader said that BJP has no local issue and every times its spokespersons try to divert people attention from real issue at TV debates with ongoing tension between India and Pakistan at LoC as if it is cockfight.

State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo, who was also participating in the TV debate countering the remark of JVM leader termed it unfortunate claiming that JVM leader has no respect for the valour of solders fighting on the LoC.

Shahdeo talking to The Pioneer said, “This is ridiculous. The statement of JVM leader shows his immaturity. It is very sad that the sacrifice of soldiers for them is like cockfight.”

 Cockfight is much popular game in tribal society in Jharkhand. A cockfight is a blood sport between two cocks, or gamecocks, held in a ring called a cockpit.

Shahdeo further said, “Cockfight is for gambling. There is always tension at LoC, in which thousands of soldiers have lost their lives. In such a situation comparing the tension across LoC with cockfight is an attempt to mock the sacrifice of our solders.” The BJP leader has also demanded an unconditional apology from the JVM leader.

Meanwhile, JVM leader Saroj Singh said that BJP leader is misleading people as he had not said anything as such.

Singh said, “I had only said that BJP has no local issue. Every time their leader tries to divert people’s attention from local issue with Article 370, 35 (A).”

Singh said that one has to see the entire episode of the TV debate to find the truth as he had countered BJP leader with government’s failure to solve local issue.

The war of words between leaders of two political parties over LoC has come at the time when Jharkhand has lost one more son of soil near LoC. An Indian Army jawan from Gumla was martyred in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during a ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC).

The soldier Santosh Gope, a resident of Mamarla village, Jharkhand was killed in gun shelling and the news came on Saturday night that caused a wave of mourning in the entire village and district of the deceased soldier.