Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of the Parliament, or extend the winter session, to pass a bill that amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. In a letter, she wrote, “May I request that the Parliament session be extended or a special session called for introducing a bill to comprehensively and suitably amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 so that jallikattu can be conducted during Pongal.”
The chief minister also urged the Prime Minister to promulgate an ordinance if the winter session could not be extended and a special session could not be called. “Alternatively, considering the urgency of the issue, the Government of India may consider promulgating an ordinance enabling the conduct of jallikattu during Pongal. On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge you to have the ordinance promulgated expeditiously,” said Jayalalithaa.
“The inability to conduct jallikattu has caused general disappointment and widespread resentment among the people of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas. This sport is part of their cherished tradition.” Jallikattu is a tradition of taming the bull and is found distasteful by several animal activists across the state.
