Jallikattu support gets larger, TN Chief Minister Panneerselvam vows all legal means to support issue

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday assured that all possible legal means would be taken to ensure justice for the state in the Jallikattu issue even as he said it should not be construed that the Centre was “ignoring” the state on the matter.

“We should not construe that the Centre is ignoring Tamil Nadu on this issue,” he said when asked if the Union government was “ignoring” the state on the issue despite repeated pleas for an ordinance.

Panneerselvam was speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tosto press for an ordinance for the conduct of the bull-taming sport.

Chennai: People in large numbers gathered at Marina Beach last night in support of the bull taming sport #Jalikattu pic.twitter.com/cAqYj3nEKJ

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017

 

He recalled that his predecessor and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had advocated cordial ties between the Centre and the state government even while battling and ensuring Tamil Nadu’s rights were upheld on many issues.

“The (state) government is walking the path of Amma (Jayalalithaa). We will take all legal measures till we get justice in the Jallikattu issue,” he said.

He said he had earlier held talks with protestors who are agitating here demanding conduct of Jallikattu and they were “satisfied” with his explanation.

They discussed with him their “just” demand of holding the sport in the state, the Chief Minister said, adding he would apprise Modi of the “sentiments and aspirations” of people of the state tomorrow during their meeting.

Panneerselvam said he will also take up with the Prime Minister the issue of Vardah cyclone relief funds and expressed confidence that Modi will oblige.