Tamil Nadu CM says jallikattu will be organised in a day or two, urges people to end protests
Home minister told us that the Centre will process the draft ordinance quickly, said AIADMK delegation, after meeting Rajnath Singh.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday urged jallikattu supporters to withdraw protests against the Supreme Court ban on the sport. He said the bull-taming sport would be organised in a day or two, reported ANI.
The chief minister said he had consulted constitutional experts and created a draft ordinance that would pave way for the sport soon. The draft has already been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said. Moreover, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislators meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who assured them that the Centre would clear the ordinance soon. “Home minister said we [the Centre] will process matter quickly and see that within 1-2 days everything can be cleared so that Tamil Nadu can pass ordinance,” said M Thambidurai, deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Panneerselvam had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to urge him to pass an ordinance. Though Modi assured him of support from the Centre, he said the central government could not pass an ordinance on a sub-judice matter. The Supreme Court has been hearing petition in support and against the sport since it was banned in 2014.
Protests continued across the state on Friday morning. Jallikattu supporters have been encouraged by several celebrities and politicians, who have held that the sport was an integral part of the Tamil culture. Oscar-winning composer and musician AR Rahman will fast on Friday in support of the pro-jallikattu protests. Prominent Tamil actors, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, Ajith Kumar, Surya, Vijay and Vishal have voiced their support for jallikattu and also criticised animal rights NGO People for Ethical Treatment of Animals for opposing the practice.
Thousands have gathered at Chennai’s Marina Beach since Tuesday night, demanding the Supreme Court revoke its ban on the bull-taming sport. Protestors said they would not move from the location till the restriction was lifted. They are also demanding a ban on PETA.