Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday said that the ban on Jallikattu has been ‘removed completely’ following the signing of an ordinance to the effect by state governor CH Vidyasagar Rao.
“We will bring the draft of a permanent law on Jallikattu in the Tamil Nadu assembly soon,” the CM added.
Asserting that Jallikattu was held throughout Tamil Nadu on Sunday, Panneerselvam stated that it will be held at Alanganallur in Madurai on a date decided by the locals.
However, protesters forced the cancellation of a Jallikattu event that Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was supposed to inaugurate on Sunday, even though the bull-taming sport was held in the absence of government representatives at a few places across the state.
Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam decided to return to Chennai after protesters prevented him from entering the venue. Before leaving Madurai, he told mediapersons that Jallikattu will be held in Alanganallur only if the residents want it. The assembly will pass the relevant legislation for amending the law on Monday, he added.
At Alanganallur several sections of agitators declined to hold the sport. They blocked the ways to the entry and exit points of the sprawling sporting area.
A group of organisers removed the bulls from the arena as well. They demanded a permanent solution, declining to accept the ordinance promulgated to hold the sport.
Jallikattu began in parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, including Tiruchirappalli district, with traditional fervour.
Reportedly, two dead, 83 injured after unregulated Jallikattu event held at Raapusal village in Pudukottai district. While one S Mohan had injuries to lower hip, the other victim, Raja received wounds in the chest.
Sunday’s developments came as a setback to the AIADMK government, which was keen to appropriate credit for “winning the Jallikattu battle” by forcing the Centre to pass an ordinance to this effect. Even local BJP leaders like Union minister Pon Radhakrishan were quick to take credit for the ordinance, professing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s love for Tamil traditions and culture.
However, this contention was rejected by protesters across Tamil Nadu, who blame three entities – animal rights group PETA, Panneerselvam and the Centre – for the ban on the bull-taming event.
