UPA leaders in Jharkhand are scurrying for cover following reports of a 'never-seen-before' birthday bash of a minister's son.
State rural development minister Enos Ekka who played a key role in toppling Arjun Munda-led NDA government some time ago had reportedly spent around Rs 50 lakh on his eight-year-old son's birthday last Friday.
Earlier, former home minister in the Munda government Sudesh Mahto had come under severe criticism from UPA for his extravagant marriage ceremony. Ekka's son Sandesh is a student of G D Goenka School in Gurgaon. It was a 'never-seen-before' affair for the people of Simdega, Ekka's home district.
At least 50,000 people attended the gala function where elaborate arrangements were made for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, sweets and ice-creams, according to reports. More than 50 goats were reportedly slaughtered for the food.
Ironically, the minister's father Anand Ekka and elder brother fall under the category of below poverty line (BPL) and they live in a house built under the government-sponsored Indira Awas Yojna.
However, the MLA from Kolebera in Simdega district, has no qualms. "What's wrong if they fall under BPL category. Even I lived in a house built under Indira Awas Yojna from 1989 and 1999," Enos Ekka said, adding, "I was a contractor before entering politics.
My political rivals are jealous of my standard of living." As per the tribal culture, the invitees are supposed to bring khassi (goat), banda (pork) and rice at such celebrations in villages, he added.
RJD, one of the key partners in the Madhu Koda-led UPA government, is highly critical of the minister's act. "Throwing birthday parties has become a lifestyle now. However, those in public life should show restraint," said RJD leader Girinath Singh.
Congress MLA from Simdega Niyel Tirkey also said, "The fairy tale birthday party has brought shame rather than pride to the ruling UPA coalition in Jharkhand. Voters would have been grateful if he (Enos Ekka) opened an oil mill with the money he wasted on the birthday party."
Simdega is a poverty-stricken district, where lack of employment opportunities drives a large number of people to migrate to other states.
Source: TOI
State rural development minister Enos Ekka who played a key role in toppling Arjun Munda-led NDA government some time ago had reportedly spent around Rs 50 lakh on his eight-year-old son's birthday last Friday.
Earlier, former home minister in the Munda government Sudesh Mahto had come under severe criticism from UPA for his extravagant marriage ceremony. Ekka's son Sandesh is a student of G D Goenka School in Gurgaon. It was a 'never-seen-before' affair for the people of Simdega, Ekka's home district.
At least 50,000 people attended the gala function where elaborate arrangements were made for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, sweets and ice-creams, according to reports. More than 50 goats were reportedly slaughtered for the food.
Ironically, the minister's father Anand Ekka and elder brother fall under the category of below poverty line (BPL) and they live in a house built under the government-sponsored Indira Awas Yojna.
However, the MLA from Kolebera in Simdega district, has no qualms. "What's wrong if they fall under BPL category. Even I lived in a house built under Indira Awas Yojna from 1989 and 1999," Enos Ekka said, adding, "I was a contractor before entering politics.
My political rivals are jealous of my standard of living." As per the tribal culture, the invitees are supposed to bring khassi (goat), banda (pork) and rice at such celebrations in villages, he added.
RJD, one of the key partners in the Madhu Koda-led UPA government, is highly critical of the minister's act. "Throwing birthday parties has become a lifestyle now. However, those in public life should show restraint," said RJD leader Girinath Singh.
Congress MLA from Simdega Niyel Tirkey also said, "The fairy tale birthday party has brought shame rather than pride to the ruling UPA coalition in Jharkhand. Voters would have been grateful if he (Enos Ekka) opened an oil mill with the money he wasted on the birthday party."
Simdega is a poverty-stricken district, where lack of employment opportunities drives a large number of people to migrate to other states.
Source: TOI