The Jallikattu ‘tradition’ is politicised beyond reason

If we are to consider a proper historical perspective, Jallikattu is part of a tradition and not just something that was started a few years ago. It is part of the Pongal festival — a time to celebrate the harvest for Tamils. This is why Jallikattu takes place in only January, and not throughout the year, to demonstrate the relationship between family animals and human beings. They are a part of domestic life in Tamil Nadu. I do not understand the claim that the animals are treated badly. They may be prodded during the sport, but their owners call them by name. If you leave them around, they always come home in the evening. Jallikattu is a symbol of Tamil culture at this time. It represents the rights of the people. India is a country known for its diversity, and imposing unity on all these unique cultures is counterproductive. The tradition should be preserved— it should not have been made  a  big deal in the first place. Bulls are not wild animals — they are domestic, just like dogs.
—D Raja, CPI, Rajya Sabha member

A friend of mine was recently assaulted by a group of men for walking his dog. They claimed he was pro-PETA. I don’t think I can name any event or sport which involve animals and does not resort to cruelty. According to my understanding, bulls are peaceful animals which graze in a wild environment, and they are not designed to run the way they do during Jallikattu. We have evolved as a nation, and there are so many ‘traditions’ that we are losing daily. In the south, we have a ‘dhoti’ week to encourage people to wear out national dress. This too, is often unsuccessful. I don’t think tradition is about holding a innocent bull captive, and jumping on it to prove one’s masculinity. If we want to do that, we can start by helping women who are being assaulted on the streets. Besides, it is only a community of 400-500 bulls and ‘tamers’ who float around from event to event, a fairly small community. Is such a demonstration required? It is not as if the animals are jumping for joy, they’re scared of the 100 or so individuals coming for them. I don’t know whether political parties are trying to preserve anything, or make the most of a volatile situation. 
—Antony Rubin, animal activist, AWBI

I don’t think bulls are intrinsically peaceful at all, alpha-males of any species are known for lashing out. The term ‘raging bull’ could not have been conceived out of thin air. Jallikattu is part of an agrarian lifestyle, which we should empathise with. The courts have made enough exemptions for the rural-folk, sacrifices for example, could be considered cruelty, but is allowed. If that is the case, then why target Jallikattu, it isn’t even half as bad. France and Spain are two countries known for their legally backed bullfighting history, why should our country be an exception? However, I think the issue goes beyond Jallikattu. The South has been through a lot in the past few years. The Chennai floods, cyclone Vardah, the Cauvery issue —and ineffective government action every single time has caused the people to lose faith in institutions. During the floods, the then CM Jayalalithaa did not even visit those affected, and this time too, the Marina has not seen the attendance of the CM either. The systematic failure of the TN govt leadership has culminated in this. If three departments can facilitate a decision over a few hours, why were they waiting  for the past couple of years?
—Manu Shanmugasundaram, DMK spokesperson and advocate, Madras HC