Jallikkattu movement takes shape of political party; protestors to contest local body polls in Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore: It may seem difficult to believe but it's true. The social movement which fought for lifting the ban on traditional bull-taming sport of Jallikkattu will soon be contesting elections.

'En Desam En Urimai Katchi' (My State My Right Party) has nearly seven lakh registered members across the state, who have pledged to work for the benefit of the people, the coordinators representing Coimbatore district, told reporters here on Wednesday.

"We successfully protested for Jallikkattu without any motive. In a similar fashion the new political party will work for development of the people" Amalraj, one of the coordinators said.

The party would field candiadates for the coming civic elections, they said, as per PTI.

Similar meetings had already been held in Chennai, Vellore and Erode, Amalraj said, adding that the date of the official launch of the party and its office-bearers would be announced in a few days.

On the April 12 RK Nagar bypoll, he said since some persons had come forward to contest the polls, the party has directed them to meet the residents who are the final deciding authority for the selection of the candidate.

On January 23 this year, Tamil Nadu Assembly had unanimously passed an amendment bill for conducting the bull taming sport without any hindrance.

Replacing an Ordinance promulgated to allow jallikattu, the bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 was unanimously adopted by the House after members of all parties spoke welcoming the legislative initiative.

The government had promulgated the Ordinance in a bid to defuse the raging protests across the state, especially at the Marina Beach, by students and others, demanding lifting of the ban on jallikattu.

The bill defines jallikattu as an event involving bulls conducted with a view to following tradition and culture from January to May and it includes similar events like 'manjuviratu', 'vadamadu' and 'erudhuvidum' festivals.

It noted that the Supreme Court had held jallikattu as violative of the PCA Act (sections 3, 11, and 22).

The Bill further said, considering the vital role of jallikattu in preserving and promoting tradition and culture among people and also in view of ensuring the survival and continuance of native breeds of bulls, the "government of Tamil Nadu has decided to exempt jallikattu from the provisions of the PCA Act".

(With PTI inputs)