In a strongly worded statement, Prasad said the Chief Minister's announcement that outstanding Jallikattu players would be provided government jobs must not turn into \"yet another unfulfilled promise of the DMK government\".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He demanded that clear government orders be issued before the end of the Tamil month of Thai Pongal in 2026 to appoint the best-performing Jallikattu players of the current season to suitable posts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The BJP leader also called for the immediate implementation of the proposed high-quality treatment facility for bulls and a dedicated training centre for Jallikattu players at Alanganallur, announced at a cost of Rs 2 crore.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"These projects must be executed with honesty and transparency, strictly in line with what was promised,\" Prasad said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Recalling the history of the ban on Jallikattu, Prasad said that Jallikattu suffered due to an \"erroneous decision\" of the Congress-led UPA government, which included Jallikattu bulls under the protected wildlife schedule.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He noted that it was only after sustained statewide protests by the people of Tamil Nadu that the issue was addressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Following the demands raised during the previous AIADMK government, the Narendra Modi-led Central government acted swiftly and removed the hurdles, enabling Jallikattu to resume in Tamil Nadu,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prasad further reminded the ruling DMK government of its 2021 Assembly election promise to provide a monthly incentive of Rs 1,000 to those rearing Jallikattu bulls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He demanded that this scheme be implemented immediately, along with the release of accumulated arrears -- estimated at around Rs 60,000 per bull rearer -- from 2021 to 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also sought a comprehensive health insurance scheme for Jallikattu players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While welcoming the state government's announcement to offer employment in the Animal Husbandry Department, Prasad said that Jallikattu participants include graduates, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and other professionals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also sought a comprehensive health insurance scheme for Jallikattu players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prasad concluded by asserting that Jallikattu symbolises Tamil Nadu's ancient heritage, valour, agrarian roots, and cultural pride, and should be supported with concrete action rather than symbolic announcements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n