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 today.
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.
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It has never been a culture in the Santhal Pargana, he said, adding, "This is an insult to women power."
Asked about the competition, Simon Marandi told PTI that the competition was organised among 20 pairs to strengthen the bond among married couples.
Claiming that nobody is trying to understand the Santhal society, Simon Marandi said the competition was organised to stop divorce.
He said that Stephen Marandi had come only after the completion of the competition.
Jharkhand rural development Minister and BJP leader Neel Kanth Singh Munda said at Dumka that it was an insult to the tribal society.
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