Centre ignoring, attacking Tamil Nadu culture, values: PMK

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday the centre of ignoring and attacking the foundations of Tamil Nadu culture and traditions.

"Till now, there have been no violent protests. They are intimidating our cultures and values that have been with us for 5000 years. You cannot just ban something like that," said Ramadoss.

He added that the government cannot just ban the festival because of a flimsy reason that it is cruelty. "There is absolutely no cruelty, these are our bulls, we rear them, they have worked hard for us and one day we play with them. What is the harm in that?" said Ramadoss.

Media has been projecting Jallikattu as a gory activity. This is why the emotions of students have come out. Earlier there was involvement of political parties only but now students have also joined. The government now has to bring an ordinance, he added.

Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramadoss said the chief minister should have held an all party meeting first so that all party leaders can put pressure. This is a Tamil Nadu issue.

"That is how Karnataka and Kerala are working on their issues, by coming together. Tamil Nadu lacks such unity politically", he said.

Ramadoss added that this is a complete failure of the state government. We have a chief minister who doesn't know whether he is a chief minister or not and whether he has the power to take action.

"The SC has not given a time and date about when they will give us a verdict. People are waiting for it and their emotions are increasing. This is something which is symbolic to us. This anger is not only about Jallikattu only; this is about betrayal of Tamil Nadu's interest by the central government," he said.

He added there is confusion within All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) which doesn't contribute for a stable government. People of Tamil Nadu want holistic change.

The Prime Minister on meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam told that the Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the state government. He, however, added that the matter is sub-judice.