DMK postpones fast over ‘Jallikattu’

In an expression of faith in the assertion of Union Minister Pon Radhakrihnan that permission will be secured to hold bull taming sport ‘Jallikattu’ in Tamil Nadu, DMK on Friday postponed its proposed hunger strike over the issue.

“I feel that the proposed hunger strike (to seek nod for Jallikattu) at Alanganallur (Madurai) on December 28 to be led by party treasurer M K Stalin can be postponed considering the letter of Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan (that permission would be obtained to hold the event),” Karunanidhi said in a release here.

Radhakrishnan had said on Thursday, replying to Karunanidhi’s letter to him over the issue, “I am confident that we will be getting permission to hold Jallikattu on Pongal day based on the talks held for the past one month... Our efforts have the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” 

Citing the assurance, the DMK chief also appealed to pro-Jallikattu groups who had sought his party’s support, “to accept the postponement of the protest by accepting the confidence expressed by Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan.” 

An annual affair in southern parts of rural Tamil Nadu, it has socio-economic and cultural dimensions to it.