TN : As Jallikattu season draws near bull owners want the DMK election pledges to be fulfilled
TN: Bull rearers in Tamil Nadu have reiterated their desire for the DMK administration to fulfill its long-standing pledge to provide local bull owners a monthly incentive of Rs 1,000 as the jallikattu season is about to start.
Farmers believe the support is essential for maintaining native cattle breeds and relieving the financial strain on small-scale rearers as preparations heat up for the traditional sport.
The Social Justice Council’s state president, Ravikumar, petitioned the Tiruchy District Collector to fulfill the government’s promise to hold elections in 2021.
Additionally, he requested that the online registration system for Jallikattu tournaments be removed, claiming that it favors big, commercial participants over traditional rearers and disadvantaged rural farmers.
The Pudukkottai area, which annually holds the season’s first jallikattu event in Thatchankurichi, has contributed to the revived attraction. Additionally, there are many bull owners in the area that compete in various events across the state.
According to M. Suresh, a bull owner from Mangadevanpatti who keeps more than forty bulls, “Jallikattu is a cultural identity of Tamil Nadu, but the burden of preserving native breeds falls entirely on farmers.”
The daily expense of feeding, caring for, and training each bull is at least Rs 500. Even if it was little, the promised incentive would help us get by during the months without competition.
Ramesh, who owns 28 bulls that move between districts for tournaments, had similar worries, stating that farmers often get indebted due to lengthy intervals between competitions. “There is no revenue when there are no events. Despite their emotional commitment, some people are compelled to sell their bulls,” he added.
The need of assistance was also emphasized by younger breeders. Kumappatti residents Kannan (24) and Murugan (47), who raised three bulls from calves, said the reward would honor their work protecting indigenous breeds.
“Prize money is not profit on its own. They pointed out that it just balances costs. The demand has also been supported by the organizers. Due to rising expenses, many farmers are having difficulty. Saravanan, a Tiruchy-based jallikattu organizer, said that government assistance can stop distress sales and save our native animals.
Bull owners maintain that putting the long-promised incentive into effect immediately would provide immediate relief and reinforce the state’s commitment to maintaining Tamil Nadu’s traditional athletic legacy, especially in light of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and the uncertainty surrounding future event scheduling.