TDP MP, MLA defy HC ban; participate in cockfight

 Despite the Hyderabad High Court issuing orders against conducting cockfights, two politicians in Andhra Pradesh participated in the sport in East Godavari district on Thursday.

Kakinada MP Thota Narasimham and Pithapuram MLA SVSN Varma participated in a cockfight as part of the Janmabhoomi Maa Vooru programme in the Pithapuram town.

According to the reports, various events were conducted during the programme following which the cockfight took place in full view of police and revenue officials. 

The two TDP leaders set the birds on each other amidst a gathering of a large crowd at the venue.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had also warned his party men against participating in the cockfights held during Sankranti further stating that the ones involved in the gambling sport won’t be given a party ticket in the coming general elections.

Cockfighting is banned under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974.