Modi govt allowed 'Jallikattu' to please few political leaders of South: Congress

Jallikattu - Tamil Nadu's bull-taming sport is considered a traditional one, and conducted during Pongal celebrations.

New Delhi: Critising Modi's government's decision to allow the traditional Jallikattu or bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu during the festival of Pongal, Congress termed the move as a tactic to 'please few political leaders of South'.

While speaking to news agency ANI, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “To please few political leaders of South, govt has allowed this barbaric tradition.”

The entire state of Tamil Nadu erupted in joy as the central government yesterday lifted the the ban on 'Jallikattu'.

People at places like Madurai and Trichy, where Jallikattu is traditionally held, were the most elated.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision.

The central government bowed to the strong demand made by various organisations and political parties to permit the traditional bull taming sport that was banned by the Supreme Court to prevent cruelty to animals.

The central government, in a gazette notification, removed bulls form the list of animals that are banned from public display.

However, animal welfare groups have announced that they will challenge the union government's decision on Jallikattu ban removal.

Many other Animal welfare associations have called the government's new notification "unconstitutional" and said that it goes against the spirit of the Supreme Court's order.

Tamil Nadu's bull-taming sport is considered a traditional one, and conducted during Pongal celebrations, but has drawn widespread criticism from animal welfare associations which say the bulls are subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering.