Contestations against Jallikattu undermines its cultural importance: TN BJP

Stating that any more contestations against the call for ban on Jallikattu will not be tolerated, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Animal Welfare Board of India of working at the behest of "petro-dollar mafias" and working to undermine the culture importance of the bull taming sport.

"Last year it was sub-judice so we could not bring an ordinance that is why we have issued an executive order permitting Jallikattu, but again it is being contested by all these people. I want to reiterate that the Animal Welfare Board is acting at the behest of the petro dollar mafia at the international level," BJP leader H. Raja told ANI.

The BJP leader also criticised former environment ministered Jairam Ramesh for amending the Animal Welfare Act, 2011 and bring bulls under the 'exhibiting animal's list.

"Until 2011, there was no issue surrounding Jallikattu at all. It was only after the UPA government comprising of DMK, that they amended an act bringing the bull into the list of exhibiting animals and they have termed Jallikatu as cruelty to animal. All those nonsense were brought in by the UPA government when Jairam Ramesh was environment minister," H.Raja added.

Earlier in May 2014, the Supreme Court had banned the practice of Jallikattu, citing animal welfare issues.

The government later on January 8, 2016, passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls cannot be used, effectively reversing the ban.

The Supreme Court, however, in January last year refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country.

Jallikattu, also known as Eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of the Pongal harvest festival.