Why not ban cricket, Jaggi Vasudev ridicules opposition to Jallikattu

Taking a jibe at anti-Jallikattu forces, spiritual guru Jaggi Vasude on Thursday called for banning cricket as the ball used in the game has proved fatal for many players.

Addressing the Jaipur Literature Festival, Vasudev said, "So, will you ban cricket also? The cricket ball is dangerous, and it has been fatal for many players."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today, urged him to promulgate an ordinance to lift the ban on Jallikattu.

"I gave a letter to the PM saying that ban on Jallikattu must be lifted and Centre should draft an ordinance on it," Panneerselvam told the media after meeting the Prime Minister.

Panneerselvam said Prime Minister Modi told him that he gives highest importance to cultural values of the state and assured the Centre's full support.

The Prime Minister on his part appreciated the cultural significance of Jallikattu and observed that the matter is presently sub-judice.

He, however, assured Panneerselvam that the Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the state government.

The Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu, which is held during the harvest festival of Pongal, in 2014 on a petition by animal rights activists.

Jallikattu hadn't been held for the last two years and was not held this year on Pongal despite multiple appeals from Tamil Nadu to the Centre to issue the ordinance.