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DMK Govt To Name Jallikattu Stadium In Alanganallur After Karunanidhi, Tamil Orgs Want It To Be Named After Pandya King Nedunchezhiyan

The Commune

The decision to rename the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus in honor of the late Chief Minister Kalaingar Karunanidhi initially faced criticism, particularly from political circles. However, the recent proposal to rename the Jallikattu stadium in Madurai after Karunanidhi has encountered significant opposition, both from the general public and Tamil activists.

Jallikattu, a traditional sport involving the embracing of bulls, is traditionally practiced in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal harvest festival in the second week of January. The newly constructed Jallikattu arena, located in Keelakarai village near Alanganallur in Madurai, is set to be inaugurated by CM MK Stalin soon.

Minister of Public Works EV Velu, speaking to reporters after participating in the Muhurthakal function at Alanganallur village, emphasized that the stadium, built in just 10 months at a cost of ₹61.38 crore, is designed to accommodate around 4,500 spectators across three decks. It also features a museum showcasing the rich tradition of the valiant sport. The proposed area includes VIP seating, two museums, a bull shed, primary health centers, and a veterinary hospital for prompt first-aid. It will also provide facilities for bull catchers, spectators, and the media, along with a modern gate for releasing bulls during the event.

Addressing the debate over naming the stadium after Kalaignar, DMK Minister Velu remarked, “What’s there to object about the christening of the stadium after Kalaignar? It’s M Karunanidhi, the five-time chief minister, who played an instrumental role in the struggle to resume Jallikattu.” Regarding the opening date, he stated, “After this inspection and consideration, we will submit a complete report. The chief minister will announce the date within this month and inaugurate the function.”

On 18 May 2023, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court upheld amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. These amendments allowed for the continuation of traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.

In this context, a petition is urging the Madurai Collector to name the newly built Jallikattu ground in Keelakarai after Tamil king Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan, sparking a debate on cultural heritage and political interests. There are concerns that the introduction of the new stadium could overshadow the traditional Alanganallur, putting the iconic vadivasal at risk. Another point of contention emerges over the reluctance to name the Jallikattu venue after the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi.

A coalition of 23 Tamil organizations has entered the discourse, submitting a memorandum to the Madurai Collector. Their stance is clear: naming the Jallikattu ground after politicians is deemed inappropriate. Instead, they propose honoring the traditional sport of Tamils, a symbol of valor, by naming it after Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan. As the buzz around the new Jallikattu ground intensifies, preparations for the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition are in full swing. The muhurthakal for the event was recently initiated at the customary vadisasal, showcasing the continued cultural significance of this age-old tradition.

As the narrative unfolds, the decision on the nomenclature of the Jallikattu ground remains a focal point, reflecting the delicate balance between preserving tradition, honoring history, and navigating contemporary political sensitivities.

In this regard Tamil nadu State BJP President Annamalai condemened that “People will not accept christening the newly built jallikattu stadium after former chief minister M Karunanidhi in Madurai. The stadium construction is nearing the final stages at Keelakarai village near Alanganallur in Madurai district“.

(Inputs from Vikatan)

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