In a mixed message on the possible resumption of jallikattu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he would be supportive of steps taken by the Tamil Nadu government on the issue, while stressing that the matter was sub judice.
Soon after a meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam in the national capital, the PMO tweeted, “While appreciating the cultural significance of jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub judice.”
In another tweet, Mr. Modi’s office added, “The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the State government.”
Emerging from the meeting, Mr. Panneerselvam, who stayed put in New Delhi to hold consultations with legal luminaries, told journalists that the State government along with the Centre would take steps for conducting the bull-taming sport. “Please be patient. Nallavai nadakkum, uruthiyaaga! [Good things will happen, for sure].”
“I would like to say that we, along with the Centre, would take necessary steps immediately for conducting jallikattu. I would also like to say that you will soon see the State government’s action on this issue,” Mr. Panneerselvam said.
As for the Tamil Nadu government’s request for the promulgation of an ordinance to enable the conduct of jallikattu, Mr. Panneerselvam said, “He [Prime Minister] said since the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Centre’s notification was being awaited, the Centre would be supportive of the action that would be taken by the State government on the issue.”
