AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an ordinance to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, enabling Jallikattu to be conducted during the Pongal weekend.
In a letter to the Prime Minister on Wednesday, Ms. Sasikala said, "The ban on Jallikattu has incensed the people of Tamil Nadu and the youth in particular, and all efforts have to be taken to revoke the ban. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, should de-notify bulls as 'performing animals', and I request you to take appropriate steps to enable the traditional sports of Tamil Nadu to be played in our soil".
She said bulls are specially reared for the purpose of this sport and are tamed by the youth. "This sport is not in the least cruel to animals, unlike other sporting events involving horses, camels, and other animals," Ms. Sasikala said adding that the bulls are worshipped as a deity by religious people in Tamil Nadu.
"Care is always taken by the youth taming them, not to inflict any pain on them", she added.
The party general secretary said the youth of the State feel it is their divine traditional right and want the sport to be played.
"Lifting the ban on Jallikattu would be the ultimate joy for Tamils, not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the globe, which would ensure that people of Tamil Nadu really celebrate the Pongal festival with traditional fervour and gaiety," she said.
On Tuesday, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu had hinted that the Centre was looking at a Constitutional amendment to enable the sport to take place. "We are getting suggestions (to amend the law). We did it in the Shah Bano case. But we will have to see. We will have to weigh in on what the court thinks," he said while speaking at the India Today conclave.
Will take personal responsibility: OPS
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, O Panneerselvam on Wednesday said the State government will ensure that Jallikattu will be held this year. Taking personal responsibility, the Chief Minister in a statement said, "I, and the Tamil Nadu goverment will ensure that we will take all measures for Jallikattu to be held. We will not step back even an inch on this."
Mr. Panneerselvam said despite his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan 9 to promulgate an ordinance to enable Jallikattu to be held, the Centre had not given any reply. "I also hope that the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the case regarding the inclusion of bulls in the list of performing animals, soon. I sincerely hope that Tamil Nadu will get justice with the verdict," he said.
