Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, inaugurated the three-day South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 at Codissia Hall in Coimbatore, reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for natural farming. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farming communities across the southern states, with a strong show of support from Tamil Nadu’s agricultural leadership.

Addressing the summit, All Farmers’ Association Coordination Committee President PR Pandian praised the Prime Minister for his role in resolving several long-standing issues affecting Tamil Nadu’s farmers.

“All credit goes to the Prime Minister,” Pandian said, as he highlighted Modi’s contribution in settling the Kaveri river dispute and overturning the Supreme Court’s ban on Jallikattu.

“The long-standing Cauvery issue has been resolved by setting up the Cauvery Management Commission. The Supreme Court banned the Jallikattu competition. A permanent solution was found by bringing an emergency law. All that credit goes to Prime Minister Modi,” Pandian said.

Showcasing Natural Farming and Farmer Recognition

The Prime Minister’s presence at the summit was seen as a major morale booster for farmers, particularly those practicing traditional and natural methods of cultivation.

“The summit officially started with the Prime Minister of India, and he inaugurated the 21st PM-Kisan scheme on this stage among farmers. This made the summit grand and, more importantly, instilled confidence among all South Indian farmers by the Prime Minister’s presence during difficult times. We are grateful for the Prime Minister’s visit and the faith he’s given to the farmers,” Pandian said.

He also extended gratitude to other dignitaries present, including Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, BJP State President Nainar Nagendran, and former Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Dr. K. Ramasamy.

Praising PM Modi for Cultural and Agricultural Interventions

Recalling the cultural significance of Jallikattu, Pandian noted the central government’s legal intervention to preserve the tradition.

“Jallikattu is part of Tamil Nadu’s culture – a brave sport not just for youth, but to raise awareness about livestock. The Supreme Court imposed a permanent ban on Jallikattu, but respecting the emotions of youth and farmers, an emergency law was introduced and, through this law, the SC’s order was overridden and special permission was obtained for Jallikattu in TN by the Hon. Prime Minister. I express my gratitude for that here.”

Calling for Broader Policy Interventions

Pandian also appealed to the Prime Minister for new national policies focused on soil regeneration, wildlife-farmer conflict mitigation, and protection of ecologically sensitive zones like the Western Ghats.

“We urge the PM to create a national policy to protect soil, people, and farmers. The Western Ghats start in Kerala and run through several states. Changes in this range drive climate change. We need policies to protect the Western Ghats, which are crucial. Wildlife is destroying farmlands and even attacking farmers. Forests and farmers both need protection. Only the PM can bring comprehensive law for this.”

He also criticized the Tamil Nadu Land Integration Act 2023, warning of its consequences for agricultural and water ecosystems.

“The TN Land Integration Act 2023 has risked not only lands but also wetlands, lakes, ponds, and water pathways by reclassification, benefiting developers. We need unified law to stop this crisis. Farmers are not opposed to industry but want growth that does not come at the cost of agriculture and food security.”

Appeal to Honor Nammazhwar

Pandian concluded his address with an emotional plea for national recognition of Nammazhwar, the late eco-farming pioneer of Tamil Nadu.

“We request, in memory of Nammazhwar, that during your tenure, you award him the Bharat Ratna. The BJP has already supported this resolution. Please make this summit’s resolution a reality. You declared publicly, even during COVID, that small farmers revived the Indian economy.”

“During the global food shortages in COVID, Indian farmers supplied food to many countries, as you acknowledged. Farmers need adequate crop insurance coverage, and the PM-Kisan scheme must benefit all farming families, especially those practicing natural farming on 60% of TN lands.”

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The post “All Credit Goes To PM Modi”: Farmers Association Chief PR Pandian Hails Centre’s Role In Kaveri River Dispute, Jallikattu, And Natural Farming appeared first on The Commune.

Alanganallur, a village synonymous with pride in Jallikattu—a traditional Tamil bull-taming sport with roots in the Sangam era—has faced widespread dissatisfaction this year due to alleged political interference and mismanagement. Known worldwide as the pinnacle of Jallikattu competitions during the Tamil festival of Pongal, the event has left bull owners, tamers, and spectators disappointed.

The competition, typically celebrated with grandeur as a showcase of Tamil valor, was disrupted by chaos in the distribution of tokens. Local bull owners expressed frustration over being sidelined in favor of bulls belonging to politicians particularly the ruling DMK and film celebrities, some of whom brought their animals from outside the region. Local bulls, which should have received priority, were reportedly allowed to compete only at the last minute.

The introduction of an online token system in recent years has added to the discontent. Previously, all bulls were granted entry without discrimination, but the new system, combined with restrictions imposed by the Jallikattu Committee, has led to complaints of favoritism and neglect of Alanganallur’s unique traditions.

When the competition concluded, DMK Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, P. Moorthy, announced that the committee had set a record by allowing 1,000 bulls to participate. However, this claim infuriated many bull owners who had traveled from various parts of the state to compete, only to find their token numbers, such as 647, 925, and many left uncalled.

Expressing his frustration to the press, one bull owner remarked, “My bull’s token number is 647. We brought our bull with the hope that it would compete, but the local bulls were sneaked in through the back entrance. Bulls from other villages could not participate, yet they are claiming to have allowed 1,000 bulls.”

Another bull owner, visibly emotional, broke down while speaking to the press, saying, “Look at this, my bull’s token number is 925. They claim to have allowed 1,000 bulls, and are already distributing prizes. We were beaten by the police, crawled our way here, Look at this. About 700, are still waiting inside without being allowed to participate. In name of distributing the prize they are throwing veshtis Have we come here to beg for alms?“

Another bull owner, visibly enraged, voiced his frustration, saying, “Not just today, but never have we participated in Jallikattu for prizes. We bring our bulls for the respect, dignity, and pride of our village. Yet, my bull wasn’t allowed to participate, neither yesterday nor today.” Pointing to his bull, he added with emotion, “Look at my bull—it’s crying. Me and my bull are leaving with tears in our eyes.” 

Another young bull tamer expressed his frustration, saying, “People from Madurai district are not being given tokens. Instead, tokens are being assigned to specific individuals, like those connected to ministers. Look, we are bull tamers too, and we play well, catching bulls but why aren’t we receiving tokens?” He continued, “We’ve also earned prizes like gold coins and cycles, then why are only certain people being given tokens while we are ignored?”

The statements collectively highlight the deep emotional connection between bull owners and the sport, as well as their profound disappointment with the mismanagement of the event. The incident underscores the anguish and dissatisfaction among participants, raising serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the Jallikattu competition. Allegations of favoritism and the exclusion of skilled local participants have only intensified the grievances, further tarnishing the event’s reputation.

ஜல்லிக்கட்டிலும் அரசியல் என புகார்.. சோகத்துடன் திரும்பிய காளையர்கள்..#Alanganallur #AlanganallurJallikatu #AlanganallurJallikatu2025 #AlanganallurJallikatuLive #Madurai #Jallikatu #Jallikattu2025 #TokenIssue #Complaint #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/jI4TplXKyC

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 17, 2025

Many bull owners lamented that the very people who revived Jallikattu through prolonged protests to protect Tamil culture and identity were denied even the opportunity to witness the event. Spectators from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states, who eagerly awaited the competition, returned disappointed due to poor arrangements.

Alanganallur Jallikattu, once a global symbol of Tamil heroism and cultural pride, has faced increasing challenges in recent years. Bull owners fear that the sport’s authenticity and prestige are being eroded by political interference and mismanagement.

Residents of Madurai and supporters of Jallikattu have urged the authorities to ensure that next year’s competition is organized free from political influence, preserving the heritage and spirit of this iconic event. The controversy has further fueled dissatisfaction among participants, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the event’s management.

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The post Alanganallur Jallikattu Marred By Irregularities; Local Bull Owners Allege Political Interference appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has sharply criticized the ruling DMK government and its minister for abusing their power during the Jallikattu event on 16 January 2024. The incident involved DMK Minister P Moorthy asking the female district collector, Mrs. Sangeetha, to vacate her seat to accommodate Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s son Inbanithi and his friends.

In a post on his official X account, Annamalai stated, “It is highly condemnable act of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who attended the Jallikattu event in Alanganallur, Madurai, with his son Inbanithi and his friends, has removed Madurai District Collector Mrs. Sangeetha from her seat to make space for his son’s friends on stage. Forcing the female District Collector to vacate her chair to accommodate the Deputy Chief Minister’s son’s friends is an abuse of power that surpasses even the dark period of DMK rule from 2006 to 2011 in Tamil Nadu. Why insult a women government official while ministers, who are supposed to serve the Chief Minister’s family, are seated on the stage? Udhayanidhi Stalin should reflect on the 2011 election results and the ten years that followed. The people of Tamil Nadu will put an end to this monarchical mentality in 2026.”

மதுரை அலங்காநல்லூர் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு நிகழ்ச்சியைக் காண, தனது மகன் இன்பநிதி மற்றும் அவரது நண்பர்களுடன் சென்றிருக்கும் துணை முதலமைச்சர் உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின், ஜல்லிக்கட்டு விழா மேடையில் தனது மகனின் நண்பர்களை அமர வைப்பதற்காக, நாற்காலியில் அமர்ந்திருந்த மதுரை மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் திருமதி. சங்கீதா… pic.twitter.com/bQWecdmRiD

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 16, 2025

The controversy unfolded when DMK Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, P. Moorthy, intervened during the Jallikattu event, asking the Madurai district collector to vacate her seat for Udhayanidhi Stalin’s son and his friends. The move drew widespread criticism, as the collector was overseeing the event and had a designated seat in line with the protocols in place for such occasions. A video of the incident went viral, sparking outrage across social media.

இன்பநிதியின் நண்பர்களுக்காக கலெக்டரை நிற்கவைத்த அமைச்சர் மூர்த்தி
#madurai #Jallikattu2025 #India #Tamilnadu #pongalfestival #pongalcelebration #TamilJanam #TamilJanamTV | #அலங்காநல்லூர் #மதுரை | #Alanganallur | #Jallikattu2025 | #தமிழ்நாடு | #Udhayanidhi | #UdhayanidhiStalin |… pic.twitter.com/2iEBmXiLjN

— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) January 16, 2025

The incident follows previous criticism over caste discrimination, particularly regarding the exclusion of Scheduled Castes from participating in the Palamedu Jallikattu event. Despite a ruling from the Madras High Court that forbids caste-based discrimination, protests erupted from the Paraiyar Uravin Murai Sangam, who raised black flags at their homes in opposition to the DMK’s handling of these matters, especially under the oversight of Minister Moorthy.

The event also saw discontent among Jallikattu enthusiasts when P. Rajasekhar, the state president of the Jallikattu Council, was made to stand without a chair despite his significant role in securing a Supreme Court victory for the sport. Meanwhile, individuals with no clear connection to the event were given special seating, adding to the disillusionment among attendees.

ஜல்லிக்கட்டு வரலாற்றில் உச்சநீதி மன்றம் சென்று போராடி வழக்காடி வெற்றி தீர்ப்பு பெற்ற ஜல்லிகட்டு பேரவை மாநில தலைவர் பி .ராஜசேகர் அய்யா அவர்களை அலங்காநல்லூர் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு மைதான அரங்கத்தில், வயதில் மூத்தவரான அவரை நிற்க வைத்து கலைஞரின் வாரிசு என்ற ஒரே தகுதியின் அடிப்படையில்… pic.twitter.com/6jbcjVXisE

— K.S.Radhakrishnan (@KSRadhakrish) January 16, 2025

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The post Annamalai Slams DMK For Abusing Power At Jallikattu Event, Forcing Female Collector To Vacate Seat For Udhayanidhi Stalin Son’s Friends appeared first on The Commune.

DMK Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P Moorthy, during the Alanganallur Jallikattu in Madurai on 16 January 2024, asked the Madurai district collector, Sangeetha, to vacate her seat for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s son, Inbanidhi, and his friends. This action sparked controversy, with many criticizing Moorthy for his apparent disregard for protocol and the collector’s position.

The Jallikattu event on the day of Kaanum Pongal, known for its cultural significance, had a designated seating arrangement for organizers, authorities, and officials overseeing the sport to ensure safety and adherence to regulations. However, political interference, especially from the ruling DMK, has marred the event in recent years. On this occasion, while the collector, Sangeetha, was seated in a prominent position, Udhayanidhi Stalin asked his son Inbanidhi to adjust the seating to accommodate his friends. Minister Moorthy immediately intervened, requesting the collector to vacate her seat, which she did reluctantly. A video of the incident went viral, further intensifying the backlash.

This controversy comes on the heels of earlier criticisms regarding caste discrimination. The scheduled castes community had previously alleged exclusion from participating in the Palamedu Jallikattu, despite a Madras High Court ruling prohibiting caste-based discrimination. The Paraiyar Uravin Murai Sangam, in protest, raised black flags at their homes, expressing opposition to the DMK government’s handling of these matters, particularly under the oversight of Minister Moorthy.

இன்பநிதியின் நண்பர்களுக்காக கலெக்டரை நிற்கவைத்த அமைச்சர் மூர்த்தி
#madurai #Jallikattu2025 #India #Tamilnadu #pongalfestival #pongalcelebration #TamilJanam #TamilJanamTV | #அலங்காநல்லூர் #மதுரை | #Alanganallur | #Jallikattu2025 | #தமிழ்நாடு | #Udhayanidhi | #UdhayanidhiStalin |… pic.twitter.com/2iEBmXiLjN

— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) January 16, 2025

Similarly, P. Rajasekhar, the state president of the Jallikattu Padhukappu Peravai (Jallikattu Protection Council), who had successfully fought and won a landmark case in the Supreme Court for Jallikattu, was spotted standing without a chair at the event while DMK Ministers Moorthy, PTR Palanivel Thigarajan, DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin, his son Inbanidhi along with his friends were watching the bull-taming spectacle. Meanwhile, individuals with no significant connection to the event were given special seating. This contrast highlighted the unfair treatment and left many disillusioned.

ஜல்லிக்கட்டு வரலாற்றில் உச்சநீதி மன்றம் சென்று போராடி வழக்காடி வெற்றி தீர்ப்பு பெற்ற ஜல்லிகட்டு பேரவை மாநில தலைவர் பி .ராஜசேகர் அய்யா அவர்களை அலங்காநல்லூர் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு மைதான அரங்கத்தில், வயதில் மூத்தவரான அவரை நிற்க வைத்து கலைஞரின் வாரிசு என்ற ஒரே தகுதியின் அடிப்படையில்… pic.twitter.com/6jbcjVXisE

— K.S.Radhakrishnan (@KSRadhakrish) January 16, 2025

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The post Dravidian Model Jallikattu: Collector Made To Vacate Seat To Accommodate Inbanidhi’s Friends, Jallikattu Activist Made To Stand As Inbanidhi Sits To Watch Bull-Taming Sport appeared first on The Commune.

PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan, a senior DMK minister who also served as the state’s Finance minister earlier and has an impressive academic and professional background, was seen welcoming Inbanidhi, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, at the airport for the Alanganallur Jallikattu event. This move has sparked criticism and raised questions about the party’s internal hierarchy and the growing culture of dynastic politics within the DMK.

துணை முதலமைச்சரின் மகனை வரவேற்க ஒரு அமைச்சர்..

அடடா இதுவல்லவா சுயமரியாதை…. pic.twitter.com/RhctjYtoZD

— Dinesh (@imdineshadmk) January 15, 2025

The Alanganallur Jallikattu event itself was a grand affair, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flagging off the competition. Around 5,700 bulls and 1,698 players had registered for the event, with 1,100 bulls and 900 bullfighters receiving tokens. Udhayanidhi and his son Inbanidhi were prominently involved in the proceedings, further underscoring the family’s central role in the event.

At the event, DMK members were seen garlanding and welcoming Inbanidhi with the same enthusiasm and respect reserved for Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Zenith of dynastic politics ! The seasoned veterans of the dmk should hang their head in shame . pic.twitter.com/DaSGW2xrZw

— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) January 16, 2025

This is not the first time. DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan (often referred as PTR), who often boasts about his privileged background, academic credentials and professional accomplishments, surprised many by taking a distinctly sycophantic tone on the occasion of DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s birthday. PTR, an MIT Sloan MBA graduate and Ph.D. holder with a career spanning global financial markets, marked the day by releasing a two-page advertisement in the DMK’s mouthpiece Murasoli. This move, is seen as unusual for a leader of his stature, who in fact disses BJP cadres’ admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as sycophancy.

The Advertisement That Outshone All Others

While it seemed to be a contest of sorts among the DMK cadre and minister as to who would outshine the others, some ministers chose modest one-page advertisements to celebrate the Chief Minister’s son, one released a song for the scion’s birthday, PTR went a step further, doubling down with a two-page spread.

It is noteworthy that DMK ministers who were elected as MPs hailed Udhayanidhi during their oath-taking ceremony in parliament earlier this year.

Coming back to the elaborate gesture by PTR, it featured effusive praises for Udhayanidhi, who, in stark contrast to PTR’s Ivy League pedigree, is a graduate of Loyola College with a career in Tamil cinema churning out back-to-back flop film before entering politics.

PTR’s lavish tribute stands out even in a party known for its public displays of loyalty. The advertisement which explains/gives a statement for each vowel in the Tamil language reads,

“November 27 is the day of the dawn of the vowel (uyir ezhuthu)

The one who was born to rule Mother Tamil Nadu!

The illustrious Dravidian son who won against Aryanism

The icon of youth uprising/rebellion!

An unparalleled success story!

The life painting of siblings!

A hero of policy that the town admires!

He is one for everyone!

He is an uplifting hero!

Five-letter mantra! (Udhayanidhi)

Hope for all Tamils!

The Dravidian generation of restless hard work!

You are full of authority!

May you live for many years….“

The advertisement is signed as follows:

P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan

Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services

In your path as long as I am alive…

PTR’s Illustrious Background

PTR who keeps boasting about his academic and professional credentials are hard to match. He graduated in chemical engineering from NIT Trichy, earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in human factors engineering from the University at Buffalo, and later completed an MBA in financial management at the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management. His professional career spanned top-tier financial institutions, including Lehman Brothers and Standard Chartered, where he apparently held senior leadership roles. He even holds a patent for structured loan commitment transactions.

Despite this, PTR’s political trajectory within the DMK appears increasingly dominated by adherence to the party’s culture of elevating its leadership through public demonstrations of loyalty.

Political Allegiance Over Accomplishment?

PTR who was initially the Finance Minister after the DMK came to power was later made the IT Minister following the leak of his purported audio accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin’s family of making more money in one year than they’ve made during their life time.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and a prominent DMK figure, is widely seen as the next in line for the party’s leadership. With a comparatively modest academic and professional background, Udhayanidhi has relied on his film career, and family legacy to make his mark in politics. The contrast between his résumé and PTR’s highly credentialed profile underscores the dominance of DMK’s first family.

Critics argue that PTR’s grand advertisement reflects an “element of hereditary slavery,” as some observers have put it. His willingness to publicly sing paeans to a younger colleague, regardless of the latter’s credentials or achievements, raises questions about the subjugation of meritocracy within the party’s internal hierarchy.

மற்ற அமைச்சர்களை பிடிஆர் தியாகராஜன் விஞ்சி விட்டார்.

அமைச்சர்கள் முரசொலியில் ஒரு பக்க விளம்பரம்தான் கொடுத்திருந்தார்கள். தியாகராஜன் இன்று இரு பக்க விளம்பரம்.

அதுவும் விளம்பரம் எப்படி இருக்கிறது என்று பாருங்கள்!

ஒரு பரம்பரை கொத்தடிமையின் கூறு வெளிப்படுகிறது.… pic.twitter.com/yGxKGfqfr7

— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) November 28, 2024

A while ago, an interview clipping of PTR Thiagarajan went viral. In the undated interview, PTR is seen saying, “If you run the party for unfit, useless successors, then some talented party will enter the scene and wash you away.”

PTR a giant among pygmies… pic.twitter.com/BSYNtjpW1c

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) September 29, 2024

It is not clear who PTR is speaking about but there is an inkling.

Additionally, PTR did not attend Udhayanidhi’s swearing-in ceremony as Deputy CM of TN and presented very vague reasons for his absence.

Whether PTR welcoming Inbanidhi at the airport is a sign of things to come remains to be seen and will need to be watched closely.

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The post Foreign-Educated, Ph.D, Lehmann Bros Fame DMK Min PTR Receives Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Son Inbanidhi At Airport, Becomes Sidekick For Scion To Witness Jallikattu appeared first on The Commune.

For the second consecutive year, the Palamedu Jallikattu event, held in Palamedu village on 15 January 2025, faced severe caste-related issues. Bulls raised by Dalit communities, as well as tamers from these communities, were barred from participating in the prestigious event. Palamedu, which has a century-long tradition of hosting Jallikattu, ranks second only to Allanganallur in its prominence. This exclusion occurred despite a directive from the Madras High Court and the order of the Madurai district collector, underscoring ongoing caste-based discrimination at the event.

Against the backdrop of the Paraiyar community’s temple, bulls owned by members of the community were not permitted to participate in the Jallikattu event. In protest, the “Paraiyar Uravin Murai Sangam” in Palamedu village raised black flags at their homes in their respective colonies, denouncing the discriminatory practices. What was even more shocking was that when bull tamers, especially youths, from the community attempted to participate despite the unlawful ban, they were forcibly removed from the Jallikattu arena by law enforcement. This was a deeply upsetting part of the event.

One of the bull tamers, speaking to the press, stated, “When we went to ask, 10 police officers beat me up. I am an acclaimed tamer for two years, and I’ve won in three other areas over the past three years. I didn’t receive any token initially, and later, I received one around 2 a.m. through recommendations. First of all, they are discriminating based on caste. Some people are coming and participating without any issue. Caste has influenced this once again.”

When the press inquired about the token, he explained, “I received the token late at night. When we asked why, they said, ‘Why should we assign one to you? We’ve assigned them to the important players.'” Others standing nearby angrily pointed out that he had won at events like Allanganallur.

The tamer continued to share his distress, explaining, “We arrived in the morning at 5 a.m., and waited in the queue then, they allowed us in, we thought we would go in around 2 or 4 o’clock. Then, another team from Karuppayurani led by Karthick, who is a skilled player no doubt, was allowed in without issue. They let the entire team participate. This is clear discrimination based on caste. At least they could have allowed me to enter, but no police would let me in. They beat me when I asked about it. My legs are swollen, I can’t even stand. Even if the bull had hit me and I had been injured, it would have been a matter of pride for me. But not being allowed to participate in the event is a shame. I can’t face my villagers—I came here for them, but this is how they’re treating me.” He broke down in tears.

ஜல்லிக்கட்டில் ஜாதி பாக்குறாங்க… அசிங்கமா இருக்கு சார்… 10 போலீசாரின் அடி.. வலியால் துடித்து அழுத வீரர்!#Palamedu #PalameduJallikatu #PalameduJallikatu2025 #PalameduJallikatuLive #Madurai #Jallikatu #Jallikattu2025 #JallikatuLive #NewsTamil #TamilNews #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/ZGZfmrShZI

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 15, 2025

In another viral video, an elder and DMK cadre from the same Palamedu village expressed his anger at the ruling DMK government for caste discrimination, particularly against the Dalit community, despite their support for the party. In the video, the elderly man is heard saying, “You are discriminating against us, asking ‘who are you?’ Now, as a minister, you are doing this, but when you were an MLA, you won with just 1,900 votes. We are the ones who worked day and night for that victory. Even today, I am wearing a DMK-marked vesthi and dhoti—ask my name, and you’ll know me as ‘Kothanar Bose.’ But today, ‘Paraiyars’ have no respect. Then from tomorrow, I won’t allow you to enter our street.”

சோலி முடிஞ் pic.twitter.com/sm9JRrWXOq

— Stand With Savukku (@Karthickrames1) January 15, 2025

In 2024, similar caste-based discrimination occurred at the Palamedu Jallikattu bull-taming event, despite High Court orders aimed at addressing such issues. During an interview with a private media channel, a resident from Palamedu spoke out strongly about the deep-rooted caste discrimination present at the event, particularly against the Dalit community.

A resident from Palamedu expressed strong dissatisfaction with the caste-based discrimination at the Palamedu Jallikattu event, despite legal directives to address it. He criticized the government’s handling of the event, highlighting that while the district collector holds the authority to form an organizing committee, the Madathu Committee (a local, caste-specific group) has been given control, releasing only seven temple bulls for the event. He argued that all 22 castes should be allowed to unleash their bulls to ensure fairness and respect for all communities. He also pointed out that the Paraiyar community has been excluded from decision-making within the organizing committee and that their bulls were often sidelined. Despite seeking support from DMK Minister P. Moorthy, who had received votes from the Paraiyar community, no changes were made, and the community’s concerns were ignored. The resident also shared his frustration over the failure to implement legal orders and the lack of respect for their bulls. He demanded that the government recognize the rights of all castes to participate equally in the event, urging the Chief Minister and Minister Moorthy to ensure fair treatment for all communities next year.

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The post Caste Discrimination Mars Palamedu Jallikattu Again: Bulls Raised By Dalit Tamers Barred Despite Court Orders appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the recently constructed Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena in Keelakarai, Alanganallur, Madurai district. A total of 500 bulls and 200 bull tamers are participating in the event, with arrangements made for up to 5000 spectators. The Tamil Nadu government is set to award the best bull and the tamers with a Mahendra Thar car and ₹1 lakh in cash. The second prize-winning bull and player will receive a bike along with Rs 50,000 in cash each.

There was already a controversy surrounding the naming of the new Jallikattu stadium after former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, and during the inauguration speech, Stalin appeared to shift the blame towards the previous ADMK government for the ban on Jallikattu. 

When addressing the spectators in the arena, he said, “In 2014 there was a situation where jallikattu could not be held. Our youth came together to the extent that it can be called the Marina Tamilian Revolution. In 2017, the biggest people’s protest was held at the Marina beach in Chennai beach. The then ADMK government incited violence against those who protested peacefully, dispersed the crowd, put them in auto and set them on fire. All such horrible scenes were published.”

Wait what…?
my savior, my stressbuster…. pic.twitter.com/fqUcz1UXiu

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) January 24, 2024

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President Annamalai strongly responded to Stalin’s false statements expressing firm disagreement. He took to his official X handle and wrote, “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin’s full-time duty is to tell lies. Last time when he was in the ruling party, he signed whatever was handed to him and apologized for unknowingly signing the order to extract methane from the delta region, now he has a habit of reading whatever is written on the piece of paper and leaving it as it is. Assuming people would have forgotten that it was the parasitic model DMK that banned jallikattu competitions in Tamil Nadu, he has unleashed new hoaxes. 

It was during the DMK-Congress coalition government on 11 July 2011, Mr. Jairam Ramesh of the Congress, who was the Environment Minister, notified a ban on Jallikattu. The DMK, which was getting sticky central ministerial posts and doing corruption as its full-time job, had no time to raise its voice against it. 

In January 2016, the Central Government led by our honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi passed a gazette notification allowing the jallikattu competitions which had been banned by the DMK-Congress coalition government, but the Supreme Court stayed the notification and extended the ban on jallikattu.

Immediately, the Hon’ble Union Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman instructed the Tamil Nadu Government to enact an ordinance to hold Jallikattu. Accordingly, in January 2017, after much persuasion and deliberation, the then Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance. 

In the case against this, last December 2022, in support of jallikattu, the Solicitor General Mr. Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the central government, said that the emergency ordinance allowing jallikattu has been passed with all the necessary documents and features for the approval of the President. 

Accordingly, the ban on jallikattu competitions was lifted and the Supreme Court allowed permission to hold jallikattu, but the parasitic model DMK has nothing to do with it. DMK can be proud that the BJP was able to lift the ban on Jallikattu because the DMK alliance banned it. 

Let it be the Cauvery issue, let it be the Khachathivu issue, let it be the Jallikattu ban. The position has always been more important to DMK than Tamil heritage, and the welfare of Tamils. DMK is the origin of all the problems faced by the Tamil people. How many more years will this Gopalapuram family lie and deceive people for their family’s hunger for power?

பொய் சொல்வதை மட்டுமே முழு நேரப் பிழைப்பாகக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார் தமிழக முதலமைச்சர் ஸ்டாலின். கடந்த முறை ஆளுங்கட்சியாக இருக்கும்போது, யார் எதை நீட்டினாலும் கையெழுத்து போட்டுவிட்டு, டெல்டா பகுதியில் மீத்தேன் எடுக்க, தெரியாமல் கையெழுத்து போட்டுவிட்டேன் என்று மன்னிப்பு கோரிய ஸ்டாலின்…

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 24, 2024

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The post Annamalai Slams MK Stalin For Peddling Lies On Jallikattu appeared first on The Commune.

Jallikattu competitions were held at Madurai Palamedu and Trichy Suriyur on 16 January 2024.  DMK Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin flagged off the jallikattu tournament at Alanganallur, Madurai. In the 9th round of this competition, Abhisithar from Poovanthi, Karthik from Karupayurani, and Diwakar from Gunnathur exhibited equal strength, and the final round proceeded briskly. Karthik from Karuppayurani emerged as the first-place winner by taming 18 bulls in the final round. Abhisithar from Poovanthi secured the second position by taming 17 bulls, and Diwakar from Gunnathur secured the third position by taming 12 bulls. Minister P. Murthy presented a car to Karthik, the first-place winner, on behalf of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. It is noteworthy that Karupayurani Karthik won the first prize in 2022, and Poovanthi’s Abhisithar won the first prize in 2023 in the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition

However, Abisithar says that there has been foul play with regard to announcing the winners this year. Speaking to News18, he said, ” I am Abhisithar from Poovanthi village, Sivaganga district. Last year in the Alanganallur jallikattu, I tamed 30 bulls and won the first prize but they announced that I tamed only 26. At that time also they did politics in this. This government is doing only politics. The minister is responsible for this. This year they announced about Karupayurani Karthik. But last year, he came in through a recommendation. You can ask all the others too. We need justice. Even this time, he has come in through recommendation. He tamed 11 bulls in three rounds while I tamed 11 in 2 rounds. When I asked why he was given 3 chances, they abused me and had the police assault me and throw me out. I am disheartened by this. What they did was claim that I was creating problems, this Karthik and all his team members prevented me from taming the bulls. I tamed 17 bulls and he has done the same. The committee disregarded this and announced the first prize for him. They should keep politics out of sports. I am going to court. I want them to decide after watching the video and announce the first-prize winner. In 2023, for this same person, they conducted a jallikattu in Chatrapatti till 6.30 pm – this is unheard of. Here they said the timing is only till 5.30 pm and because the government is doing as per their wishes. This is purely politics. I don’t want anything, announce me as the first prize winner after watching the video.”

₹100 கோடியில் மகனுக்கு கல்யாணம்
₹100 கோடியில் கல்யாண மண்டபம்
என பிரமாண்டமாக செய்யும் அமைச்சர் மூர்த்தி ஜல்லிகட்டு போட்டியில் ஏன் இப்படி நடந்து கொள்கிறார்? pic.twitter.com/YgU40alm9f

— Selva Kumar (@Selvakumar_IN) January 18, 2024

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The post “DMK Minister Moorthy Is Responsible”: Jallikattu Player Alleges Foul Play In Competition appeared first on The Commune.

Jallikattu is a traditional spectacle where a bull is set free among a gathering of individuals, and numerous participants strive to seize the hump on the bull’s back with both arms, endeavoring to cling to it while the bull tries to break free. Participants aim to grasp the hump for an extended period, endeavoring to halt the bull. This traditional activity serves as a display of pride and valor for both the bulls and their tamers.

However, this year the Jallikattu event held in Palamedu village on 16 January 2024, has become controversial due to caste-related issues. Despite a Madras High Court directive and the order of the Madurai district collector, a bull raised by a Dalit hamlet was not permitted to participate in the renowned Palamedu Jallikattu. Palamedu has a century-long history of conducting Jallikattu, second only to Allanganallur.

Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench recently addressed a public interest litigation petition filed by C. Selvakumar from Madurai. The petitioner sought a directive for the authorities to regulate jallikattu events by establishing conditions and ensuring that the caste names of bull owners were not mentioned during the events, in accordance with a 2019 High Court order. The court has instructed the state to guarantee that the caste names of bull owners are not referenced during jallikattu events and has dismissed the petition.

The Palamedu Madathu Committee, representing all communities in the village, traditionally conducts the sport. Before the event begins, temple bulls from around Palamedu are released from the “Vadivasal,” the place where bulls are released into the arena. These temple bulls are not tamed or touched by participants, and it is believed that releasing them brings rain to the village. Each community raises a bull on behalf of their deity.

Unfortunately, the bull raised by the Paraiyar community has been consistently barred from participating in the customary releasing event of Jallikattu for several years. Upon the ban of their temple bull, the villagers approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking directions to allow the bull to participate. 

A division bench instructed the district collector to consider the petitioner’s plea and issue orders in accordance with the law. Subsequently, the Madurai District Collector convened a peace meeting between the village committee and the SC representatives, directing the Jallikattu organizing committee to allow the temple bull and issuing orders in line with his decision.

In a recent interview to IBC Tamil YouTube channel a resident from Palamedu spoke about the caste issue strongly vested in Jallikattu despite High Court orders.

He said “Palamedu Parayar Uravin Murai Sangam that is Ambedkar Uravin Murai Organization… particularly parayar community people..Today, after 2017, government is conducting the Palamedu Jalikattu event. If we see who has the right to conduct Jalikattu is the collector who is the head and has the power to form an organizing committee. He has the power and responsibility to form but instead, they are recognizing the Madathu Committee (Local Committee) as Organising Committee.. They are only releasing 7 temple bulls, there are 22 castes here. If we consider equal rights, it will be there when 22 bulls are unleashed. Then only it becomes Mariyadhai Maadu (Respected Bulls – They are temple bulls unleashed under the name of temple which is not for sport)”

He further said “Even in the organizing committee they are not allowing every caste to participate. Just calling on stage to adorn shawl. They are not seeing that every caste is represented in the organizing committee instead they covert the private Madathu Committee into the organization. This is completely wrong. Instead of accepting completely, the collector should recognize everyone into the committee. Only 7 bulls are released as Mariyadhai Madu. To participate we are fighting for 20 years and are still fighting for it.”

Going on narrating the manipulation he said “What they’ve done this year was.. Last year, based on the direction of the High Court collector issued an order. When one person went there it became a tussle with the police, so they said openly ‘We will call you only on stage, but will not let release your bulls’”

He said that they threatened them “7 caste of madathu committee said ‘you Paraiyars bull will not be unleashed even if CM comes here’. We have video footage for that. Such atrocities happen particularly against Paraiyar in government-organized Palamedu Jallikattu, they are neglecting us” he added

Despite approaching DMK Minister P. Moorthy, who hails from Madurai they found that he, too, showed no interest in resolving the issue and neglected their concerns “Last year we saw Minister Moorthy 100 times regarding this. He said now and then but Minister Moorthy has not done anything regarding this. No one has accepted us in the organizing committee. If Minister Moorthy decides he can do, but refuses to do so. Particularly in the west constituency, there are 50000 Paraiyars he won by getting the vote from us even for that he did not show any courtesy I’m stating this openly.” he said

He also stated this practice was against influential people too “In 2006 they said not to bring Thirumavalavan to the village but the Paraiyar community brought him. Because of disrespecting the decision by bringing him, they did not give respect to the bulls”

“Last year we fought through the law and got directions for respecting the bulls but here ministers are not willing to implement, Collector is also not willing to implement, DRO, RDO, and Police, are not ready to implement government or laws directive.

He asserted the power of local influence as “Here Madathu Committee is the government, there is no government here”.

While the reporter was asking about the bull he replied “This bull belongs to Parayar Uravin Murai named Paarai Karupu Samy Madu, the community here collectively invests to make somehow 8th respected bull… fight is not for 1 or 2 years it’s for 20 years. We will not leave this protest we will protest for years as it takes. Next year they can’t divert us, next year by law we will win, at least next year the minister and police should implement the direction, last year they did not implement, If next year too they do not implement, our protest will be vigorous.” 

“We got orders to participate here it is … DRO and RDO said.. Including collector by word directive ‘after unleashing 7 Karai Bulls, your bull will be the 1st bull to be unleashed in the event’ and all. To divert us and not to protest, the police came at 3 AM here and said let’s bring the bull. We brought the bull around 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM. Should he not take the bull to the front side? Instead, he took it to the backside of Vaadi. Further said all bulls have come whatever you do only you shall unleash as 50th bull. Is this protest for releasing the bull as 50th? We protested as this village’s indigenous people to unleash as 8th one. We did not ask for 1st respect, 2nd respect, 5th or 7th respect.. I’m asking after all bulls are unleashed, this village’s respected bull be released. What is there in that?” He asked devastatingly 

As a resident, he raised queries and sought clarification “The government is spending money; it has spent 38 lakhs on palamedu. On whose tax money? I’m paying for corporation right? There are 100-150 families paying corporation tax, water tax, and whatever the taxes are there, we pay to the government. Why in a government-organized event you are not giving the right to all 22 castes to unleash their bulls?”

He finally requested interference from the government “Is it not sanathanam?.. Palamedu is the biggest sanathanam village… Atleast next year, the chief minister and Minister Moorthy should give rights to all 22 castes to release their bulls and I place this demand on behalf of Paraiyar Uravin Murai and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi” 

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The post Dravidian Model Jallikattu: Paraiyars Allege Discrimination In Govt-Organized Jallikattu In Palamedu, Accuse DMK Min Moorthy Of Not Resolving The Issue appeared first on The Commune.

Jallikkattu, the age-old traditional sport of that has been prevalent since time immemorial holds a significant place in the cultural ethos of Tamils.

Referred to as “Eru Thazhuvuthal,” this ancient practice is documented in Sangam texts such as Kalithogai and Mullai Paatu.

The Supreme Court of India on 18 May 2023 dismissed the petitions challenging the law permitting Jallikattu.

The Constitution bench upheld the validity of amendments made by Tamil Nadu to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act).

This judgement put the final nail in the coffin for the attempts by PETA India and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in getting the Tamil sport banned.

But here’s a look at how the Congress derogated Jallikattu and was instrumental in getting the sport banned.

1. Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) showed great interest in banning Jallikattu. In fact, on December 15, 2015, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote a letter to the Human Society International, an organization similar to PETA, voicing his strong opposition to Jallikattu. Not only did he say that this most ‘horrible’ form of entertainment be not promoted, but he also wished the organization success in their goal of banning it.

2. Former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, welcomed the Supreme Court’s ban on Jallikattu in 2014 and called it a barbaric sport. In fact, it was during his stint as the Environment Minister that he banned Jallikattu by adding bull to the list of animals prohibited for ‘performance’.

3. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, another spokesperson of the Congress, appeared as an advocate for the petitioners seeking a ban on Jallikattu, and openly stated that Jallikattu was a ‘horrible’ sport.

4. Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor back in 2015 called Jallikattu as cruel.

1/2 BJP trying to score political points in Tamil Nadu by reversing progress on stopping cruel jallikattu, deviously circumventing SC ruling

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 31, 2015

5. A Time of India report dated April 27, 2016 states that the party had called for a ban on Jallikattu in its 2016 election manifesto. Zee News too reported on the same date quoting ANI that the party promised to completely ban Jallikattu if it comes to power. India Today too reported that the Congress in its manifesto has  ‘promised prohibition on Jallikattu’. However, in 2021 when Rahul Gandhi was due to visit Tamil Nadu to participate in a Jallikattu event, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) has been caught red-handed fudging its 2016 Assembly election manifesto to whitewash its stance on Jallikattu.

6. In January 2017, when the pro-Jallikattu protests was taking the state by storm, National Herald, the mouthpiece of the Congress, published an article criticizing the protests in a slanderous manner saying that Tamil men used the protests to ‘assert their manhood’ after feeling emasculated under the iron-fist rule of later former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

7. Former Congress Minister Jayanthi Natarajan too speaking to a Tamil TV channel conceded that Congress was responsible for Jallikattu ban.

Former Congress Minister Jayanthi Natarajan concedes Congress was responsible for #JallikattuBan ! Rahul Gandhi not only aided murders of Sri Lankan Tamils but also made sure Tamil culture, tradition is wiped off. Its time Tamils unitedly say #GoBackRahul who banned #Jallikattu ! pic.twitter.com/u1dkfKXEA3

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) March 13, 2019

8. Congress party was one of the petitioners calling for the Ban on Jallikattu but was recently defeated by BJP Candidate Thiru CK Ramamurthy avl in the Jayanagar constituency in the Karnataka assembly elections.

This being the Congress’s track-record on Jallikattu, it was ironical for Rahul Gandhi to come to Madurai and witness Jallikattu in January 2021.

On the other, it was the Modi Government which had restored the Tamil pride by revoking the ban on Jallikattu.

In January 2016, the Modi government, published a gazette notification allowing Jallikattu but, the Supreme Court stayed the government order enabling the continuation of the ban.

After the stay of government order by Supreme Court, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requested the then AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to pass an ordinance.

In 2017, the Modi government clears ordinance passed by Tamil Nadu govt that allowed the bull-taming sport.

While the UPA government (Congress and DMK) banned Jallikattu the Modi government at the Centre and AIADMK gave justice to Tamils.

SG Suryah is the State Secretary of BJP Tamil Nadu.

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The post Never Forget, Never Forgive: How Congress Derogated & Banned Jallikattu appeared first on The Commune.