(IN) Illegal Cock fighting In Punjab

[Guest guest]

Cockfights assume political colour

Manav Ghuman

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 7

With election fever at its peak, the cockfights in the slums of Ludhiana, too,

have assumed a political colour these days.

The dwellers, who enjoy this illegal bird sport throughout the year, have now

started naming their birds after leading candidates in the fray.

No wonder that cocks are named after SAD candidate from Ludhiana GS Galib and

Congress candidate Manish Tewari. As the combat starts and betting reaches its

peak, the slum dwellers cheer the cocks addressing them as Galib and Tewari.

“In any case, politics, at least in this state, is not less than a cockfight.

So we thought why not name our birds as the candidates,†Dulari, a slum

dweller said.

Cockfights are the customary way of entertainment for the inmates of these slums

at Pakhowal Road, Dhakka Colony and Tajpur Road. But with the election season at

its peak, they have given a new dimension to this traditional fight of the

birds.

While the “cockfight†in elections involves a huge sum of money, the

dwellers bet for paltry Rs 20 to 50 for every fight.

“We are bored by the cacophony of electioneering, claims, counterclaims and

shadow boxing by candidates fighting elections and this is a lighter way to

enjoy the gimmicks in the game of politics,†adds Dulari.

The two most popular cocks of the area are ‘Badshah’ owned by Babu Ram and

‘Johny’ owned by Arvind. Each bird is priced at Rs 5,000 but their masters

are not ready to part with their prized possessions. “Sometimes villagers take

the cocks from us to make them a part of the rural games at nearby villages like

Mullanpur, Narangwal and Jagraon. But one person from our side always

accompanies the bird,†adds Babu Ram. “What we are doing is just a

reflection of the real situation. In reality also, political parties are

fighting and putting blame on each other. We enjoy all this by making the cocks

fight,†adds Arvind. After elections are over, cricket will be on the agenda

of these cockfights.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090508/india-votes.htm#3

 

Dr.Sandeep K.Jain