TVK’s Sholavandan MLA V M Karuppaiah’s remark in the assembly on Friday that jallikattu competitions were ruining youth has drawn criticism from AIADMK, AMMK and NTK.
He said the money could have been utilised to revive National Cooperative Sugar Mill in Alanganallur which has been remaining closed for the past 10 years.
“Doesn’t the MLA know about the long-standing relationship between Tamils and cattle, reflected in the traditional practice of ‘Eru Thazhuvuthal,” he said. He said there is a strong suspicion among the people whether the govt intended to impose a ban on jallikattu, and the remark was a hint. NTK leader Seeman said the TVK MLA should retract his statement insulting the traditional sport and apologise.
In his speech in the assembly, the MLA asked why the DMK govt spent Rs 50crore for construction of a jallikattu arena (Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena) in Alanganallur, and added that jallikattu was ruining youth. He demanded that chief minister C Joseph Vijay apologise for his MLA’s remarks and announce the govt’s stand regarding jallikattu in the assembly. He urged assembly speaker J C D Prabhakar to expunge the MLA’s remarks from house records, and urged the legislator to withdraw the statement and express regret. NTK fully supported the TVK MLA’s demand to revive National Cooperative Sugar Mill. “But, aren’t the lives of youngsters ruined when they go to liquor shops to consume liquor.
How does youngsters displaying valour before the Alanganallur vadivasal ruin their lives,” he asked. On Saturday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed shock that an MLA representing a constituency that includes Alanganallur, which was globally known for jallikattu, had spoken in such a manner.