Pro-jallikattu protesters in Tamil Nadu, especially those on Chennai’s Marina Beach, turned anti-Narendra Modi agitators on Thursday, after chief minister O Panneerselvam’s talks with the Prime Minister didn’t yield the desired result. The protesters expected a promise from the Prime Minister on the immediate promulgation of an ordinance that would enable the conduct of the bull-taming sport in the state.
They have demanded lifting of restrictions on the sport, a ban on animal rights campaign group PETA, and an audience with chief minister O Panneerselvam.
The chief minister didn’t go to Marina, but rushed to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CM batted for an emergency ordinance to allow the sport. Also, he implored the protesters to end their demonstration.
Chief minister O Panneerselvam rushed to Delhi for a meeting with Modi as a wave of protests rocked the southern state with anger rising over the apex court’s ban on the ancient bull-taming sport.
“(I) gave a letter to PM saying that ban on Jallikattu must be lifted and Centre should draft an ordinance on it,” Panneerselvam told reporters after a meeting with Modi.
In a series of tweets, Modi also said the government acknowledged the “cultural significance” of Jallikattu but added the “matter is presently sub-judice”.
Panneerselvam also said the state government will “will soon take steps along with (the) Centre on how to enable Jallikattu”, a remark which was similar to one of Modi’s tweets.
Even noted AR Rahman joins the debate. The star musician says he’ll be on fast on Friday to support the spirit of Tamil Nadu.
Upping ante over Centre to come out with an ordinance lifting ban on bull-taming sport ‘Jallikattu’ in Tamil Nadu, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday staged dharna (sit-in) outside the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi, seeking promulgation of the legislation before January 26.
Speaking to reporters, former Union Health Minister Ramadoss also warned that his party men will go ahead with conducting the event in case the Centre failed to pass the ordinance before Republic Day and also cautioned that violent protest may follow if the demand was not met with.
