Garland made of peacock feathers lands CM Revanth Reddy in controversy

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s felicitation with a peacock feather garland during Sadar Sammelan has triggered controversy over potential violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. Forest officials are expected to verify the authenticity of the feathers, as similar cases in Karnataka previously led to legal action.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has sparked controversy after being felicitated with a garland made of peacock feathers, an act many say violates the Wildlife Protection Act.

The incident occurred during the Sadar Sammelan on Sunday, where Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav honoured the Chief Minister with the feather garland. Images of the event were officially shared by the Chief Minister’s Office.

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Since the peacock is India’s national bird, the use of its feathers is regulated under wildlife laws. “People often collect naturally shed feathers for religious or traditional purposes, but hunting peacocks for feathers is illegal,” a senior forest official clarified, adding that officials verify whether such feathers are genuine or artificial before taking action.

Similar incidents in Karnataka involving former Minister K Shivanagouda Nayak and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader Darshan Puttanaiah had earlier led to complaints and legal action.