Day after O Paneerselvam-Modi meeting, AIADMK MPs take issue to Rajnath

The MPs, led by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, requested the Home Minister to intervene to ensure promulgation of an ordinance to end the ban on the conduct of jallikattu. “The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days,” said Thambidurai. 

In a memorandum, the AIADMK MPs said that the ban on jallikattu is against the fundamental, religious and cultural rights of the people of Tamil Nadu, especially when such bulls and cows are treated as a part of their own family and are worshipped and no way they are being ill-treated. 

“We request you to kindly intervene in the matter immediately to promulgate an ordinance lifting the ban on conduct of jalliksattu, amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, de-notifying bulls from the notification of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest to enable us to preserve our rich culture and tradition,” the memorandum said. 

After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced this morning that the state government will amend a Central act on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to allow conduct of jallikattu in the state with Centre’s backing. In view of this, he urged protesters across the state to withdraw their agitation because of the likelihood of the bull taming sport to be held in a “day or two”.

Government is taking efforts to bring out a “legal solution” at the earliest. Narendra Modi government respects the culture of Tamil Nadu and is mindful of the sentiments expressed by the people. Efforts are on to bring out a legal solution at the earliest ... I along with Environment Minister Anil Dave and Attorney General (Mukul Rohatgi) have discussed spoken to BJP President Amit Shah. He hit out at the previous UPA government for challenging the law on jallikattu after the matter was flagged by the animal welfare board and termed it as a “legacy issue” for the present government.

Centre wants a “permanent” solution to the jallikattu issue and the proposal submitted by the Tamil Nadu government is being vetted by various ministries”, said Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave. The Home Minister has received a proposal from Tamil Nadu government. The entire proposal is under consideration. He appreciated the patience of people of the state. There must be proper protection of the cultural values of TN people. However, he blamed the previous UPA government for including bulls in the list of animals prohibited from being exhibited or trained as performing animals.