Amid the ongoing stir to revoke the ban on Jallikattu, Minister of State of Environment and Forest, Anil Dave today appealed for calm and reiterated the Centre's stand that it wants to protect the sentiments of Tamil Nadu.
Asserting that the matter will be solved at earliest, the minister said, “By today evening or tomorrow, we’ll be able to reach a conclusion about Jallikattu.”
Indicating that a possible amendment to the Prevention to Cruelty against Animals Act may happen, Dave said, “In 2011, the bull was added in the list of performing animals. If they didn’t do that, we wouldn’t have been sitting here.”
As the pro-Jallikattu protests gain huge support with superstar Rajinikanth the latest to join the stir, the Tamil Nadu government today announced that it has drafted an ordinance to revalidate the bull-taming sport in the state.
“Vaadivasal will be opened for Jallikattu within a day or two. I will inaugurate the Jallikattu event,” said chief minister O Panneerselvam.
We also expect the notification of ordinance will appear by day after tomorrow (Sunday). It will definitely happen, he added
The agitation is witnessing huge participation of people from Chennai's Marina beach to cities and towns across the state.
The protesters were also unhappy after centre refused to bring an ordinance to skirt the court ban on the bull-taming sport.
Celebrities and sportspersons have rallied behind demonstrators in Tamil Nadu, demanding that Jallikattu be allowed in the state during Pongal festivities.
The South Indian Artistes Association, which is known as Nadigar Sangam, is taking part in a silent protest today, which began at dawn and will continue until dusk.
While Superstar Rajinikanth has already joined the protest, Kamal Haasan, Vijay and double Oscar-winning composer A.R Rahman’s presence is expected.
“Bring in whatever rules but Jallikattu must be held to keep up the traditions of our Tamil culture.” the Tamil superstar said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme court today postponed order on Jallikattu for a week after centre urged the apex court for more time to end the deadlock.
AR Rahman yesterday tweeted that he would fast on Friday to “support the spirit” of Tamil Nadu. Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2014 ban on Jallikattu
The Kollywood fraternity has banded together to preserve the sport and Rajinikanth’s son-in-law Dhanush joined the protests as well.
Dhanush, who was the recipient of PETA’s Hottest Vegetarian in 2012, has now said that he regrets accepting the award and even considers it an insult. He added that neither he nor any member of his family supported the animal rights organisation.
Actor Jayam Ravi, who participated in the protest on Thursday at the Marina Beach, tweeted: "I felt immense pride to be a part of a revolutionary movement last night at Marina. The atmosphere was electrifying and inspiring."
He further wrote: "To be honest, I intended to stay for half hour as I had to travel back to Tirupati to resume work today, but stayed back for hours out of sheer awe and admiration for the youth of my land.
