The jallikattu at Alanganallur, which was flagged off by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami along with Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday, was largely incident-free, barring injuries to 15 persons, of whom seven had to be referred to Government Rajaji Hospital.
According to the organisers, this was the first time a Chief Minister formally attended and inaugurated a jallikattu event at Alanganallur.
Last year, Mr. Panneerselvam, the then Chief Minister, who came to inaugurate the event, had to return disappointed as the protesters, who called for lifting the ban on the sport, refused to give up the demonstration even after the State government promulgated an ordinance to allow the sport, and instead insisted that an Act be passed in the Assembly. The event happened after the Act was passed.
Expressing happiness at being present at the ‘world famous’ jallikattu at Alanganallur, Mr. Palaniswami, after the inauguration, said he got to see first-hand how the event was being organised without any harm to bulls.
Earlier, a grand welcome was organised by the party for the CM and the Deputy CM with giant cut-outs and banners erected throughout the route from Madurai city to Alanganallur, often encroaching on footpaths and even roads. Hundreds of party cadre and performing folk artists waited at couple of places en route to welcome the leaders.
Health Minister’s bull
Though the CM and Deputy CM, who watched the sport with enthusiasm, waited till around 9.30 a.m to see the bull of Health and Family Welfare Minister C. Vijaya Baskar named ‘Komban’ enter the arena, they had to leave because of delays in allowing the bull to run.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the district revenue administration and the police to avoid any untoward incidents.
Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao said strengthening of barricades, ensuring proper safety measures at the bull collection point so that the bulls do not run amok on streets, and allowing of bull tamers in small batches into the play area helped in reducing the number of injuries. He said that though seven had to be referred to GRH, their injuries were not critical. He added that the members of Animal Welfare Board of India’s jallikattu inspection team expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements.
A total of 571 bulls and 697 bull tamers took part in the event, which was originally scheduled between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., but was extended till 5 p.m. to accommodate more bulls.
The best bull tamer and the best bull at the event were awarded a brand new car each by the AIADMK, one announced in the name of Mr. Palaniswami and the other in the name of Mr. Panneerselvam.
