Jallikattu against govt's ideology of saving cows: Maneka Gandhi-led PFA

Maneka-led People For Animals (PFA) on Friday strongly condemned the lifting of ban on controversial bull taming sport jallikattu, saying that it is against the ideology of the BJP-led government which believes in saving cows. While, Gandhi who wrote a letter to Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar against revoking the ban on the controversial sport refused to comment on this issue, the animal welfare organisation said they will oppose the decision on appropriate forum.

"It is not only against the ideology of the (Centre) government which has always protested against cow slaughtering, it also against the Indian culture because Indian culture does not support violence and cruelty to animals. It stands for much better things," PFA member Gauri Maulekhi said. "We are shocked as we do not expect this from the government. We have decided to oppose it at the appropriate forum," she said.

The Centre today lifted the ban on the bull taming sport in poll-bound Tamil Nadu following an extensive demand for its restoration by political parties in the state. The decision to allow sport and bullock cart races came despite objections by animal rights groups, who claim that during this event bulls are deliberately disoriented through substances like alcohol and are stabbed and jabbed by objects like sickles, spears, knives and dragged to the ground.