TN CM urges PM Modi to draft ordinance lifting ban on Jallikattu

New Delhi [India], Jan. 19 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselam, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday, urged him to promulgate an ordinance to lift the ban on bull taming sport 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 Chief Minister also drew Prime Minister Modi's attention to the prevailing drought conditions in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister on his part appreciated the cultural significance of Jallikattu and observed that the matter is presently sub-judice. He, however, assured Paneerselvam that the Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the state government. Prime Minister Modi also assured Paneerselvam that all possible assistance would be provided to the state to address the drought situation, adding a central team would be deputed to the state shortly. 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.(ANI)