<p>Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K&nbsp;Palaniswami-led government,&nbsp;which has been facing horse-trading allegations.</p>

<p>Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as&nbsp;proof that the Sasikala camp sought the &nbsp;AIADMK&nbsp;MLAs&#39; support&nbsp;for the February trust vote.</p>

<p>&quot;We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately,&quot; Stalin said.</p>

<p>Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel.</p>

<p>The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly.</p>

<p>Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators.</p>

<p>South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


Stalin alleged the assembly did not let him to submit the CD as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the ?AIADMK?MLAs' support?for the February trust vote

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led government, which has been facing horse-trading allegations. Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the AIADMK MLAs' support for the February trust vote. "We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately," Stalin said. Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel. The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly. Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators. South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy (ANI)

DMK's Stalin asks Tamil Nadu Governor to dissolve Palaniswamy govt over horsetrading allegations

<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter&#39;s office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan&#39;s appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. &quot;We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday&#39;s incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery,&quot; DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI.</p>

<p>He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK&#39;s history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, &quot;Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. &quot;Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to&nbsp;fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader.</p>

<p>Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister&#39;s mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs.</p>

<p>Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala&#39;s appointment as the party&#39;s interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard.</p>

<p>Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter's office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan's appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK. The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. "We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday's incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery," DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI. He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways. Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK's history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, "Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face," Sarvanan said. He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. "Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu," Sarvanan said. AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader. Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister's mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs. Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala's appointment as the party's interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard. Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. (ANI)

Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM: DMK slams AIADMK for lack of transparency

<p>An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government.</p>

<p>The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban.<br />
<br />
Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed.</p>

<p>The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days.</p>

<p>After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the&nbsp;conduct of Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre,&quot; Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, &quot;I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu.&quot; Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits.</p>

<p>&quot;It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre&#39;s recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The ruling AIADMK&#39;s legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days.</p>

<p>&quot;The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days,&quot; Parliament&#39;s Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Top court defers to government&#39;s wishes, says will not pass order for a week</strong><br />
<br />
Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here&#39;s how the protests unfolded across the state today:</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&#39;ve been spearheading various protests on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a>.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK <a href="https://t.co/ayqBVZhlDM">pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822356649729867776">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water&nbsp;to break my fast..</p>
&mdash; A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/822298998941908992">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JhtPdksilO8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unitedforourculture?src=hash">#unitedforourculture</a>.</p>
&mdash; Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhanushkraja/status/821389832211443712">January 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in &#39;Rail Roko&#39; protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/MSwkYrb7MG">pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822312428184535044">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1e8hwJqi5">pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822363690250842113">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The protesters&nbsp;have&nbsp;refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has&nbsp;decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night.</p>

<p>Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamizhanda?src=hash">#tamizhanda</a>.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeforJallikattu?src=hash">#JusticeforJallikattu</a></p>
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821929984801599488">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/v7SqiepBJc">pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822293825573924864">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Elspz4uFOK">pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822297187811889152">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide &#39;rail roko agitation&#39; where they will create a massive blockade around the state&#39;s railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade&nbsp;campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder.</p>

<p>The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim&nbsp;the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The federal government has given its approval to overturn the ban on the ancient sport. The president's assent remains lone hurdle

An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government. The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban. Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai's Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed. The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days. After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the conduct of Jallikattu. "To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre," Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, "I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu." Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier. Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits. "It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre's recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval," he said. The ruling AIADMK's legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days. "The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days," Parliament's Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI. Top court defers to government's wishes, says will not pass order for a week Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue. Here's how the protests unfolded across the state today: We've been spearheading various protests on #jallikattu.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water to break my fast.. — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 20, 2017 × × Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support #Jallikattu and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. #unitedforourculture. — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) January 17, 2017 × DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in 'Rail Roko' protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor #jallikattu pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5 — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The protesters have refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night. Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today. My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a #tamizhanda.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. #JusticeforJallikattu — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × #WATCH: Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide 'rail roko agitation' where they will create a massive blockade around the state's railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder. The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Lifting of Jallikattu ban moves a step closer

<p><br />
The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as &quot;anti-national&quot; and said it&#39;s working against Tamil culture.</p>

<p>It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national,&quot; DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said.</p>

<p>He also urged the central&nbsp;government to &#39;disband&#39; the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>He said the centre&nbsp;and the state government should realise the &quot;negative impact&quot; of having &quot;failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture&quot;.</p>

<p>Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with &quot;adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove&quot; sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals.</p>

<p>Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said.</p>

<p>Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such &quot;international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He charged them with working with &quot;ulterior motives&quot;.</p>

<p>The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded.</p>

<p>He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Stalin, working president of the opposition party DMK, urged the central government to 'disband' the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as "anti-national" and said it's working against Tamil culture. It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu. "Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national," DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said. He also urged the central government to 'disband' the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu. He said the centre and the state government should realise the "negative impact" of having "failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture". Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with "adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove" sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals. Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said. Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such "international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage." He charged them with working with "ulterior motives". The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded. He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future. (PTI)

Politician from southern India's Tamil Nadu state calls PETA 'anti-national' for opposing bull-taming festival

<p>M Karunanidhi, the supremo of the&nbsp;Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has officially named his 63-year-old younger&nbsp;son MK Stalin his political successor.</p>

<p>In an interview to a Tamil weekly, the 92-year-old said, &ldquo;Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way.&rdquo;</p>

<p>MK Alagiri is Stalin&#39;s elder brother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected that the statement will put an end to the long-running succession battle between the two brothers in one of the country&#39;s most powerful political families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stalin has been a four-time MLA in the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly and a one-time deputy chief minister of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DMK has been headed since 1969&nbsp;by M Karunanidhi, who has been chief minister of Tamil Nadu five times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The 92-year-old said In an interview to a Tamil weekly, 'Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way'

M Karunanidhi, the supremo of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has officially named his 63-year-old younger son MK Stalin his political successor. In an interview to a Tamil weekly, the 92-year-old said, “Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way.” MK Alagiri is Stalin's elder brother. It is expected that the statement will put an end to the long-running succession battle between the two brothers in one of the country's most powerful political families. Stalin has been a four-time MLA in the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly and a one-time deputy chief minister of the state. The DMK has been headed since 1969 by M Karunanidhi, who has been chief minister of Tamil Nadu five times. (WION)

India: DMK supremo Karunanidhi officially names younger son MK Stalin his political successor

Sasikala Pushpa, member of parliament (MP) in the upper house, who reportedly slapped another MP Trichy Siva at national capital Delhi&#39;s airport on Saturday, was today expelled from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a state political party, by its supremo Jayalalithaa on a day when she claimed she faced threat to her life in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.<br />
<br />
In a brief statement, Jayalalithaa said that Sasikala, a Rajya Sabha (upper house) MP, was being expelled from all party posts, including primary membership, as she had acted in violation of the party principles and ethics for &quot;bringing disrepute to the party&quot;.<br />
<br />
&quot;Her behaviour has brought great disrepute to the party,&quot; the Tamil Nadu chief minister said in Chennai, the state capital.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She asked party supporters not to have any truck henceforth with the Thoothukudi-based MP.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sasikala finds support in opposition&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
In the upper house, Sasikala alleged she was being forced to resign from the &#39;constitutional post&#39;.<br />
<br />
She first rushed into the &#39;Well of the House&#39; to get permission to make her statement and then broke down several times as she said she faced &quot;life threat&quot; from state government and alluded to her being slapped by a &quot;leader&quot;.<br />
<br />
She, however, did not make it clear who slapped her and when.<br />
<br />
Outside the upper house, Sasikala claimed her expulsion had no link with the airport incident involving Siva, also a Rajya Sabha MP, and that pressure was being put on her for the last two months to resign.<br />
<br />
&quot;They are harassing me.&quot;<br />
<br />
She replied in the affirmative when asked whether Jayalalithaa was behind this.<br />
<br />
Sasikala also claimed that she was warned of consequences if she does not resign.<br />
<br />
Raising the issue in the upper house, she said, &quot;If an MP is being slapped by a leader, where is human dignity?&quot; triggering strong protest from members of her own party.<br />
<br />
As she found support in opposition members who wanted the chair to allow her to make her full submission, A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) walked into the well and out of it multiple times demanding that her remarks be expunged.<br />
<br />
&quot;I have life threat... I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post,&quot; she said. &quot;Where is women&#39;s safety in this country? ... I am being harassed. I need protection. In Tamil Nadu, I don&#39;t have safety. There is threat to my life.&quot;<br />
<br />
Sasikala said she was thankful to her party leader for sending her to Rajya Sabha but &quot;if a leader can slap an MP, I need protection. I need government&#39;s protection.&quot;<br />
<br />
&quot;I want to serve the country (and not resign),&quot; she said. &quot;I am not here in Rajya Sabha for any benefit.&quot;<br />
<br />
Deputy chairman P J Kurien said the chairman was custodian of all members of the House and he will protect her too.<br />
<br />
He, however, asked her not to mention anyone&#39;s name who cannot come to the house to defend himself or herself.<br />
<br />
The aggrieved member can write to the chairman for necessary action, Kurien said.<br />
<br />
But the opposition benches broke into protest saying she should be allowed to make her full submission. Women members of Congress party moved to the aisles and vociferously raised the issue of her plight as a fellow member.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)&nbsp;

Upper house MP Sasikala was sacked for 'bringing disrepute' to the state political party AIADMK after she alleged 'threat to life'

Sasikala Pushpa, member of parliament (MP) in the upper house, who reportedly slapped another MP Trichy Siva at national capital Delhi's airport on Saturday, was today expelled from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a state political party, by its supremo Jayalalithaa on a day when she claimed she faced threat to her life in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. In a brief statement, Jayalalithaa said that Sasikala, a Rajya Sabha (upper house) MP, was being expelled from all party posts, including primary membership, as she had acted in violation of the party principles and ethics for "bringing disrepute to the party". "Her behaviour has brought great disrepute to the party," the Tamil Nadu chief minister said in Chennai, the state capital. She asked party supporters not to have any truck henceforth with the Thoothukudi-based MP. Sasikala finds support in opposition In the upper house, Sasikala alleged she was being forced to resign from the 'constitutional post'. She first rushed into the 'Well of the House' to get permission to make her statement and then broke down several times as she said she faced "life threat" from state government and alluded to her being slapped by a "leader". She, however, did not make it clear who slapped her and when. Outside the upper house, Sasikala claimed her expulsion had no link with the airport incident involving Siva, also a Rajya Sabha MP, and that pressure was being put on her for the last two months to resign. "They are harassing me." She replied in the affirmative when asked whether Jayalalithaa was behind this. Sasikala also claimed that she was warned of consequences if she does not resign. Raising the issue in the upper house, she said, "If an MP is being slapped by a leader, where is human dignity?" triggering strong protest from members of her own party. As she found support in opposition members who wanted the chair to allow her to make her full submission, A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) walked into the well and out of it multiple times demanding that her remarks be expunged. "I have life threat... I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post," she said. "Where is women's safety in this country? ... I am being harassed. I need protection. In Tamil Nadu, I don't have safety. There is threat to my life." Sasikala said she was thankful to her party leader for sending her to Rajya Sabha but "if a leader can slap an MP, I need protection. I need government's protection." "I want to serve the country (and not resign)," she said. "I am not here in Rajya Sabha for any benefit." Deputy chairman P J Kurien said the chairman was custodian of all members of the House and he will protect her too. He, however, asked her not to mention anyone's name who cannot come to the house to defend himself or herself. The aggrieved member can write to the chairman for necessary action, Kurien said. But the opposition benches broke into protest saying she should be allowed to make her full submission. Women members of Congress party moved to the aisles and vociferously raised the issue of her plight as a fellow member. (PTI)

Chief minister in India's Tamil Nadu expels former aide over 'anti-party activities'

Bharatiya Janata Party&#39;s Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh has been relieved of all responsibilities with immediate effect for derogatory statement against Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, said BJP UP president Keshav Prasad Maurya.<br />
<br />
Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties, while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret, but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...,&quot; BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him,&quot; Singh alleged.<br />
<br />
&quot;She is even worse than....The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram&#39;s days are deserting the party,&quot; said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning.<br />
<br />
Singh&#39;s remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his &quot;unforgivable&quot; comments.<br />
<br />
There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam&#39;s Kanimozhi, Congress&#39; Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him.<br />
<br />
Leader of the House Arun Jaitley got up to offer regret on behalf of the party, and said the remarks were highly condemnable.<br />
<br />
&quot;It is highly condemnable that a political leader uses such words against a prominent woman leader. I regret the use of such words and will ensure that the matter is taken up by the concerned. I personally express regret to Mayawatiji and we are with you on the issue of protecting dignity,&quot; Jaitley said.<br />
<br />
A visibly agitated Mayawati, who was present in the House, thanked Jaitley and all other members for their condemnation of Singh&#39;s remarks, but demanded that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah discuss the matter, expel Singh from the party and take action against him.<br />
<br />
She said mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, &quot;His (Singh&#39;s) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. The whole country will not forgive BJP. People will come on the streets.&quot;<br />
<br />
Mayawati said the remarks by the BJP leader reflected the &quot;capitalistic mindset&quot; and asserted that never in her political career had she used any derogatory or personal remarks against her adversaries or questioned their character, though there could be ideological differences.<br />
<br />
The BSP chief said she represented the most oppressed and exploited people of the country and had dedicated her whole life to them. She said the BSP always collected funds from the poor to carry forward the movement started by Kanshi Ram so that it does not have to rely on capitalists.<br />
<br />
&quot;On my birthday, I have told my supporters not to give me any expensive gifts like gold and jewellery, but make economic contributions to the party,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Mayawati attacked the BJP, saying it was jittery, and its anti-dalit mindset has been exposed as it has still not sacked a minister who had compared dalits to dogs, an apparent reference to Minister of State V K Singh.&nbsp;As the uproar over the issue continued, the Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House till tomorrow.<br />
<br />
BSP MP S C Mishra said that the party will carry forward the issue and take legal action against Singh for his utterances under the<br />
SC/ST Act, as they do not expect the government to take any action in this regard. &quot;We will drag him to court,&quot; he said outside Parliament.<br />
<br />
Later in Ballia, Dayashankar Singh sought to do damage control saying it was a slip of tongue.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati is a big leader and came from a small family. I did not want to hurt anyone. I regret the slip of tongue. I never meant to hurt the dignity of anyone,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties

Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh has been relieved of all responsibilities with immediate effect for derogatory statement against Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, said BJP UP president Keshav Prasad Maurya. Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties, while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret, but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day. "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh alleged. "She is even worse than....The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning. Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments. There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's Kanimozhi, Congress' Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley got up to offer regret on behalf of the party, and said the remarks were highly condemnable. "It is highly condemnable that a political leader uses such words against a prominent woman leader. I regret the use of such words and will ensure that the matter is taken up by the concerned. I personally express regret to Mayawatiji and we are with you on the issue of protecting dignity," Jaitley said. A visibly agitated Mayawati, who was present in the House, thanked Jaitley and all other members for their condemnation of Singh's remarks, but demanded that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah discuss the matter, expel Singh from the party and take action against him. She said mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, "His (Singh's) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. The whole country will not forgive BJP. People will come on the streets." Mayawati said the remarks by the BJP leader reflected the "capitalistic mindset" and asserted that never in her political career had she used any derogatory or personal remarks against her adversaries or questioned their character, though there could be ideological differences. The BSP chief said she represented the most oppressed and exploited people of the country and had dedicated her whole life to them. She said the BSP always collected funds from the poor to carry forward the movement started by Kanshi Ram so that it does not have to rely on capitalists. "On my birthday, I have told my supporters not to give me any expensive gifts like gold and jewellery, but make economic contributions to the party," she said. Mayawati attacked the BJP, saying it was jittery, and its anti-dalit mindset has been exposed as it has still not sacked a minister who had compared dalits to dogs, an apparent reference to Minister of State V K Singh. As the uproar over the issue continued, the Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House till tomorrow. BSP MP S C Mishra said that the party will carry forward the issue and take legal action against Singh for his utterances under the SC/ST Act, as they do not expect the government to take any action in this regard. "We will drag him to court," he said outside Parliament. Later in Ballia, Dayashankar Singh sought to do damage control saying it was a slip of tongue. "Mayawati is a big leader and came from a small family. I did not want to hurt anyone. I regret the slip of tongue. I never meant to hurt the dignity of anyone," he said. (PTI)

Dayashankar Singh removed as Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh vice president

Dmk, News on Dmk, stories on Dmk, articles on Dmk, Dmk stories at Wion, Dmk news, Dmk latest news

dmk