AMN
Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao today promulgated an Ordinance paving way for resuming Jallikattu game in the state. With the ordinance, the decks are cleared now for conducting the bull-taming game that remained stalled since May 2014 due to court ban.
In a statement in Chennai, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said, he will launch the game at Alanganallur in Madurai at 10 am tomorrow. In other venues, the ministers from the districts concerned will launch the game from 11 am onwards.
Mr Panneerselvam thanked the Centre for according the inter-ministerial nod for the draft of the state ordinance in a single day yesterday. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister thanked him for the support and assistance in enabling Jallikattu to be held in the state during the Pongal season upholding the state’s culture and tradition. He said, President of India endorsed the draft ordinance last night itself, enabling the approval of the state Governor today.
The Chief Minister assured that the Bill seeking to replace the ordinance will be introduced in the ensuing session of the state Assembly that has been convened to be held from Monday. He also appreciated the lakhs of youth who fought for the game on a sustained manner across the state in a peaceful manner.
The AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala has also thanked the Centre and the protesters for their role. During a press interaction in Delhi, Union Minister and BJP leader Pon. Radhakrishnan said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured protection of Tamil interests by way of extending help for the promulgation of the ordinance. However, protests across Tamilnadu continue including in Marina Beach in Chennai where close to a million people are gathered.
However protesters in states have resolved to continue their agitations till the Jallikattu bulls have their way through the rings. Arrangements are being made in a feverish pitch at Alanganallur near Madurai and other places to hold the game tomorrow itself, which remained stalled since May 2014.
The ordinance seeks to amend the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 in the state, purportedly with the aim of ensuring survival and wellbeing of native breeds of bulls and preserving cultural traditions of the state. A section of the protesters seek an Act as a permanent solution, which has been promised by the Chief Minister.