<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala&nbsp;reached Agrahara jail in Bengaluru by road to surrender to the Karnataka police. The AIADMK leader was&nbsp;found guilty in the disproportionate assets case by the Supreme Court yesterday.</p>

<p>Reports said&nbsp;she requested the court to provide &quot;A&quot;&nbsp;class cell, medical facility &amp; place for meditation.&nbsp;Sasikala was imprisoned after completion of court formalities and medical check-up. The judge had earlier turned down her plea&nbsp;for two more weeks to surrender and request for home food.</p>

<p>She was accompanied by her legal team along with her husband&nbsp;with security forces lining up the streets along the way in Karnataka. There were stray incidents of violence by Sasikala&#39;s supporters as she surrendered to police, media reports said.</p>

<p><centre><centre></centre></centre><centre><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uijaxa5oGwg" width="560"></iframe></centre></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> reaches Bengaluru jail(Parappana Agrahara) <a href="https://t.co/XanlDP0358">pic.twitter.com/XanlDP0358</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831832412976009216">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, police have reached the Golden Bay resort at Koovathur, outside Chennai to&nbsp;flush&nbsp;out AIADMK MLAs who were&nbsp;stationed there by Sasikala for over a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities have given the MLAs time till 3pm(Indian Standard Time)&nbsp;to come out of the resort.</p>

<p>Riot police is on alert outside the resort. Media reports say over 5,000 police officials have been deployed around the complex. The police have filed an FIR against Sasikala and Edapadi Palanisamy for alleged<br />
&#39;detention&#39;&nbsp;of AIADMK legislators at the&nbsp;resort.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Political events in Tamil Nadu continued&nbsp;to twist and turn even&nbsp;as Sasikala was being hauled up in jail.&nbsp;Palinsamy,&nbsp;who was appointed as the legislative party head by Sasikala, met the Tamil Nadu Governor&nbsp;C Vidyasagar to stake claim to form the government. A few hours later, the interim&nbsp;chief minister of Tamil Nadu O.Panneerselvam who was expelled from the AIADMK&nbsp;by Sasikala also met the Governor this evening as the political situation remained fluid with all eyes on the Governor&#39;s next move. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

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Reports said?she requested the court to provide 'A'?class cell, medical facility & place for meditation

AIADMK general secretary Sasikala reached Agrahara jail in Bengaluru by road to surrender to the Karnataka police. The AIADMK leader was found guilty in the disproportionate assets case by the Supreme Court yesterday. Reports said she requested the court to provide "A" class cell, medical facility & place for meditation. Sasikala was imprisoned after completion of court formalities and medical check-up. The judge had earlier turned down her plea for two more weeks to surrender and request for home food. She was accompanied by her legal team along with her husband with security forces lining up the streets along the way in Karnataka. There were stray incidents of violence by Sasikala's supporters as she surrendered to police, media reports said. #VKSasikala reaches Bengaluru jail(Parappana Agrahara) pic.twitter.com/XanlDP0358 — ANI (@ANI_news) February 15, 2017 × Meanwhile, police have reached the Golden Bay resort at Koovathur, outside Chennai to flush out AIADMK MLAs who were stationed there by Sasikala for over a week. The authorities have given the MLAs time till 3pm(Indian Standard Time) to come out of the resort. Riot police is on alert outside the resort. Media reports say over 5,000 police officials have been deployed around the complex. The police have filed an FIR against Sasikala and Edapadi Palanisamy for alleged 'detention' of AIADMK legislators at the resort. Political events in Tamil Nadu continued to twist and turn even as Sasikala was being hauled up in jail. Palinsamy, who was appointed as the legislative party head by Sasikala, met the Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar to stake claim to form the government. A few hours later, the interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu O.Panneerselvam who was expelled from the AIADMK by Sasikala also met the Governor this evening as the political situation remained fluid with all eyes on the Governor's next move. (WION)

AIADMK leadership crisis: Sasikala reaches Bengaluru jail, seeks special treatment

<p>Claiming that Tamil Nadu acting chief minister O&nbsp;Panneerselvam did not have the support of enough MLAs to stake claim to form the state government, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, he (Palanisamy) met him (Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao) and gave him a list of majority of the MLAs and with signatures and Panneerselvam has not been able to give any list as usual. So, the Governor has no alternative than to invite Palanisamy to form a government without any delay,&quot; Swamy told ANI.</p>

<p>He further said that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be absolutely no delay.</p>

<p>&quot;Sasikala will continue to be the leader even if she is in jail and there are many legal options which have to be explored yet. But the fact of the matter is that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be no delay,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Swamy also welcomed the Supreme Court judgment convicting AIADMK chief VK&nbsp;Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The complaint against late Tamil Nadu chief minister J&nbsp;Jayalalithaa and Sasikala was first filed by Swamy in 1996.</p>

<p>Palanisamy met Governor Rao yesterday evening and claimed to have the support of 126 MLAs. He has handed over the list of MLAs to the governor.</p>

<p>However, Panneerselvam has sought time to prove majority and two members from his camp are set to meet Governor Rao soon.</p>

<p>Sasikala was sentenced to prison for four years in the case by the Supreme Court earlier on Tuesday and will not be able to stand for elections for six years after she is released from jail. She will serve three years and six months in jail as she had already served six months in 2014.</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>


The BJP leader said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed chief minister of Tamil Nadu

Claiming that Tamil Nadu acting chief minister O Panneerselvam did not have the support of enough MLAs to stake claim to form the state government, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed the chief minister of the state. "Yes, he (Palanisamy) met him (Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao) and gave him a list of majority of the MLAs and with signatures and Panneerselvam has not been able to give any list as usual. So, the Governor has no alternative than to invite Palanisamy to form a government without any delay," Swamy told ANI. He further said that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be absolutely no delay. "Sasikala will continue to be the leader even if she is in jail and there are many legal options which have to be explored yet. But the fact of the matter is that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be no delay," he added. Swamy also welcomed the Supreme Court judgment convicting AIADMK chief VK Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case. The complaint against late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and Sasikala was first filed by Swamy in 1996. Palanisamy met Governor Rao yesterday evening and claimed to have the support of 126 MLAs. He has handed over the list of MLAs to the governor. However, Panneerselvam has sought time to prove majority and two members from his camp are set to meet Governor Rao soon. Sasikala was sentenced to prison for four years in the case by the Supreme Court earlier on Tuesday and will not be able to stand for elections for six years after she is released from jail. She will serve three years and six months in jail as she had already served six months in 2014. (ANI)

AIADMK leadership crisis: No choice but to appoint Palanisamy as CM, says Swamy

<p>Edappadi K. Palanisamy belongs to a farmer family from the powerful goundar community. A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district&nbsp;</p>

<p>A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district, he won the 1989,1991, 2011 and&nbsp;2016 assembly elections. In 1998, he won the&nbsp;Lok Sabha seat from Tiruchengode(Thiru-chen-goad).&nbsp;A known Jaya loyalist, he stood by her when the party split post-MGR&#39;s death in the 80s. He was always an important member of the Jayalaathiaa cabinet, he was the public works, highways and minor ports minister in her cabinet.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Edappadi K. Palanisamy belongs to a farmer family from the powerful goundar community.

Edappadi K. Palanisamy belongs to a farmer family from the powerful goundar community. A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district, he won the 1989,1991, 2011 and 2016 assembly elections. In 1998, he won the Lok Sabha seat from Tiruchengode(Thiru-chen-goad). A known Jaya loyalist, he stood by her when the party split post-MGR's death in the 80s. He was always an important member of the Jayalaathiaa cabinet, he was the public works, highways and minor ports minister in her cabinet. (WION)

Who is Palanisamy?

<p>Security has been stepped up across Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure ahead of the verdict in the disproportionate assets case likely to be announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Additional police have been deployed at the chief minister&#39;s Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan besides Koovathur resort where AIADMK MLAs supporting party chief VK Sasikala are staying, police said.</p>

<p>The fate of Sasikala, fighting a bitter power battle with interim Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam after the demise of J Jayalithaa&nbsp;is likely to be decided on Monday as the Supreme Court may deliver the much-awaited verdict in the disproportionate assets case involving her as an accused.</p>

<p>Besides Jayalalithaa, against whom the proceedings would be abated due to her demise on December 5 last year, Sasikala, and the latter&#39;s relatives, VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, were also acquitted in the assets case by the Karnataka High Court.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


Additional police has been deployed at the chief minister's Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan, police said

Security has been stepped up across Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure ahead of the verdict in the disproportionate assets case likely to be announced on Tuesday. Additional police have been deployed at the chief minister's Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan besides Koovathur resort where AIADMK MLAs supporting party chief VK Sasikala are staying, police said. The fate of Sasikala, fighting a bitter power battle with interim Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam after the demise of J Jayalithaa is likely to be decided on Monday as the Supreme Court may deliver the much-awaited verdict in the disproportionate assets case involving her as an accused. Besides Jayalalithaa, against whom the proceedings would be abated due to her demise on December 5 last year, Sasikala, and the latter's relatives, VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, were also acquitted in the assets case by the Karnataka High Court. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Security stepped up across Tamil Nadu ahead of disproportionate assets case verdict

<p>By&nbsp;G Jagannath</p>

<p>Even as support for Tamil Nadu&#39;s caretaker chief minister&nbsp;O Panneerselvam grew on Sunday, with five more MPs crossing over to his camp, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala paraded her MLAs before the media at the private resort, saying that no MLA has been held captive and whoever wants can take a head count.</p>

<p>Sasikala also cautioned the media against rushing to conclusions in the disproportionate assets (DA) case and said that both Jayalalithaa and herself had seen Chennai and Bangalore prisons and had again returned to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We will form the government, then visit Amma&#39;s memorial and take a photograph. I&#39;ll show it to the world,&quot; she told MLAs.</p>

<p>Early on Sunday, four Lok Sabha members&mdash;Jaisingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Thoothukudi), B Senguttuvan (Vellore), RP Marutharaja (Perambalur) and S Rajendran (Villupuram)&mdash;and Rajya Sabha member R Lakshmanan switched over to Panneerselvam camp.</p>

<p>&nbsp;As of now, Panneerselvam enjoys the support of seven MLAs and 10 MPs, including two from Rajya Sabha. The Greenways Road, where Panneerselvam&#39;s residence is located, wore a festive look with a large number of his supporters thronging there.</p>

<p>The suspense over the formation of new government, however, continued with Governor Vidyasagar Rao maintaining a stoic silence over his move even as BJP leader Subramanian Swamy tweeted that the former has to decide on the issue by Monday.</p>

<p>&quot;The TN Guv must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP (writ petition) under Art 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading,&quot; Swamy said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha member V Maitreyan too called on the Governor to complain that the party MLAs continue to be held captive in the resort, and cited the fresh complaints being filed in the districts, sources said.</p>

<p>Before heading for the resort, Sasikala told journalists outside the Poes Garden, the residence of her mentor and former Chief Minister, the late J Jayalalithaa, that it was &quot;very difficult&quot; to be a woman in politics.</p>

<p>Sasikala also displayed a copy of a &#39;fake letter&#39; allegedly sent by her to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao threatening to commit suicide if she was not allowed to form the government.</p>

<p>Sasikala, flanked by some of women party MLAs, also alleged that the MLAs had received threats that their children would be abducted for backing her. She alleged that those who defected and the rivals were spreading falsehood that the MLAs were being held hostage. &quot;They are in touch with their family over phone,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Opposition DMK has convened its high-level executive committee on Monday to discuss the present political situation. The meeting would be chaired by DMK Working President MK Stalin, party General Secretary K Anbazhagan said in a statement.</p>

<p>The DMK had already stated the administration in the state has come to a standstill following the standoff between the two rival camps in the AIADMK and has urged the Governor to restore normalcy.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


Sasikala paraded her MLAs before the media on Sunday, saying no one was being held hostage

By G Jagannath Even as support for Tamil Nadu's caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam grew on Sunday, with five more MPs crossing over to his camp, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala paraded her MLAs before the media at the private resort, saying that no MLA has been held captive and whoever wants can take a head count. Sasikala also cautioned the media against rushing to conclusions in the disproportionate assets (DA) case and said that both Jayalalithaa and herself had seen Chennai and Bangalore prisons and had again returned to power. "We will form the government, then visit Amma's memorial and take a photograph. I'll show it to the world," she told MLAs. Early on Sunday, four Lok Sabha members—Jaisingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Thoothukudi), B Senguttuvan (Vellore), RP Marutharaja (Perambalur) and S Rajendran (Villupuram)—and Rajya Sabha member R Lakshmanan switched over to Panneerselvam camp. As of now, Panneerselvam enjoys the support of seven MLAs and 10 MPs, including two from Rajya Sabha. The Greenways Road, where Panneerselvam's residence is located, wore a festive look with a large number of his supporters thronging there. The suspense over the formation of new government, however, continued with Governor Vidyasagar Rao maintaining a stoic silence over his move even as BJP leader Subramanian Swamy tweeted that the former has to decide on the issue by Monday. "The TN Guv must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP (writ petition) under Art 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading," Swamy said on Twitter. Rajya Sabha member V Maitreyan too called on the Governor to complain that the party MLAs continue to be held captive in the resort, and cited the fresh complaints being filed in the districts, sources said. Before heading for the resort, Sasikala told journalists outside the Poes Garden, the residence of her mentor and former Chief Minister, the late J Jayalalithaa, that it was "very difficult" to be a woman in politics. Sasikala also displayed a copy of a 'fake letter' allegedly sent by her to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao threatening to commit suicide if she was not allowed to form the government. Sasikala, flanked by some of women party MLAs, also alleged that the MLAs had received threats that their children would be abducted for backing her. She alleged that those who defected and the rivals were spreading falsehood that the MLAs were being held hostage. "They are in touch with their family over phone," she said. Meanwhile, the Opposition DMK has convened its high-level executive committee on Monday to discuss the present political situation. The meeting would be chaired by DMK Working President MK Stalin, party General Secretary K Anbazhagan said in a statement. The DMK had already stated the administration in the state has come to a standstill following the standoff between the two rival camps in the AIADMK and has urged the Governor to restore normalcy. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Suspense grows in Tamil Nadu as five more MPs join O Panneerselvam

<p>As the power struggle within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK), the ruling party of the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu,&nbsp;continues to plague the political ambience in the region, The state&#39;s school education minister K Pandiarajan is likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>&quot;Will surely listen to the collective voice of my voters and decide in a way to uphold the dignity of Amma&#39;s memory &amp; unity of AIADMK !,&quot; he wrote on Twitter on Saturday.</p>

<p>Pandiarajan was one of the 10 ministers who had accompanied AIADM general secretary Sasikala to meet the state&#39;s governor.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, two MPs have extended support to Panneerselvam. Ashok Kumar from Krishnagiri and PR Sundaram from Namakkal have extended support to the caretaker chief minister, The Hindu reported.</p>

<p>Governor Vidyasagar Rao is still undecided on the issue as the feud in the ruling AIADMK escalated with VK Sasikala sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan who wrote to the Election Commission asking it to not recognise her as general secretary of the party.</p>

<p>The governor is said to be still evaluating legal opinion on Sasikala&#39;s claim to having an overwhelming support of party MLAs while the judgement of Supreme Court on disproportionate assets case against her is imminent next week.</p>

<p>Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister KA Sengottaiyan in his place.</p>

<p>On his part, Panneerselvam asserted that his camp would not allow the party to go into hands of &#39;a family&#39; and that the &quot;dream of those to capture power&quot; will end as a &quot;day dream&quot;.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sasikala received a sigh of relief as Rao has clarified that he had not sent any report to the Home Ministry, which allegedly cited she was not qualified to stake the claim of being the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>The office of the governor issued a press release that said, &quot;Thiru Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the governor of Tamil Nadu, has not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media.&quot;</p>

<p>(This story first appeared in DNA)</p>


The state's school education minister K Pandiarajan is also likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam

As the power struggle within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK), the ruling party of the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, continues to plague the political ambience in the region, The state's school education minister K Pandiarajan is likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam. "Will surely listen to the collective voice of my voters and decide in a way to uphold the dignity of Amma's memory & unity of AIADMK !," he wrote on Twitter on Saturday. Pandiarajan was one of the 10 ministers who had accompanied AIADM general secretary Sasikala to meet the state's governor. Meanwhile, two MPs have extended support to Panneerselvam. Ashok Kumar from Krishnagiri and PR Sundaram from Namakkal have extended support to the caretaker chief minister, The Hindu reported. Governor Vidyasagar Rao is still undecided on the issue as the feud in the ruling AIADMK escalated with VK Sasikala sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan who wrote to the Election Commission asking it to not recognise her as general secretary of the party. The governor is said to be still evaluating legal opinion on Sasikala's claim to having an overwhelming support of party MLAs while the judgement of Supreme Court on disproportionate assets case against her is imminent next week. Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister KA Sengottaiyan in his place. On his part, Panneerselvam asserted that his camp would not allow the party to go into hands of 'a family' and that the "dream of those to capture power" will end as a "day dream". Meanwhile, Sasikala received a sigh of relief as Rao has clarified that he had not sent any report to the Home Ministry, which allegedly cited she was not qualified to stake the claim of being the chief minister of the state. The office of the governor issued a press release that said, "Thiru Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the governor of Tamil Nadu, has not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media." (This story first appeared in DNA)

India: Two AIADMK MPs back Tamil Nadu's caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam

<p>Stones were pelted at media persons allegedly by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) workers on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denying the rumour of MLAs being &#39;forced&#39; to stay at the resort, Tamil Nadu education minister Pandiarajan said, &quot;All AIADMK MLAs are willing to meet the Governor if he wishes to meet as well. We have not overruled any of his suggestions. Whatever has been done was after his consent, no pressure tactics.&quot;</p>

<p>He further said that the MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels, adding that they have not been forced or compelled to do anything.</p>

<p>The 11 MLAs staying at the resort addressed the media yesterday clarifying the same and dismissing all the allegations as a &#39;conspiracy&#39;. One of the MLAs said that they were not forced to stay there but were staying there so that they could immediately meet the Governor if he calls them.</p>

<p>Earlier yesterday, Tamil Nadu interim chief minister O&nbsp;Panneerselvam hit back at Sasikala for calling him a &#39;traitor&#39;, accusing the former of playing &#39;dirty tricks&#39;, adding that she instigated several ministers to give interviews to declare her as the chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the chief minister, she instigated several ministers who started giving interviews that she should be CM. It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the chair of chief minister. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy,&quot; said Panneerselvam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


The incident occurred on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged, according to ANI

Stones were pelted at media persons allegedly by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) workers on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged. Denying the rumour of MLAs being 'forced' to stay at the resort, Tamil Nadu education minister Pandiarajan said, "All AIADMK MLAs are willing to meet the Governor if he wishes to meet as well. We have not overruled any of his suggestions. Whatever has been done was after his consent, no pressure tactics." He further said that the MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels, adding that they have not been forced or compelled to do anything. The 11 MLAs staying at the resort addressed the media yesterday clarifying the same and dismissing all the allegations as a 'conspiracy'. One of the MLAs said that they were not forced to stay there but were staying there so that they could immediately meet the Governor if he calls them. Earlier yesterday, Tamil Nadu interim chief minister O Panneerselvam hit back at Sasikala for calling him a 'traitor', accusing the former of playing 'dirty tricks', adding that she instigated several ministers to give interviews to declare her as the chief minister. "Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the chief minister, she instigated several ministers who started giving interviews that she should be CM. It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the chair of chief minister. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy," said Panneerselvam. (ANI)

India: AIADMK workers allegedly pelt stones at media persons in Chennai

<p>Jallikattu, the bull taming sport, will be organised in Alanganallur village in Tamil Nadu on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, the Madurai District Collector visited the site to review the arrangements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as many as 49 people were injured during the event which was organised in Palamedu district.</p>

<p>Madurai&#39;s famous Jallikattu arena Palamedu hosted the bull-taming sport after two years after a ban on the sport was lifted in January. According to reports, a total of 850 bulls have been registered for the sport that held at Palamedu.</p>

<p>On February 5, at least 37 bull tamers were injured in Madurai&#39;s Avanipuram during Jallikattu. Of the injured, nine have been admitted to hospital for medical treatment, while the others who are not critical are being given first aid.</p>

<p>Jallikattu is usually held during the harvest festival of Pongal in mid-January, but could not be organised in the past three years in view of the ban on the sport. Amid continuing protests over the ban on Jallikattu across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance.</p>

<p>With the government promulgating an ordinance and subsequently getting a Bill passed in the state assembly allowing Jallikattu, the event is being held in several parts of the state in the past few days.</p>

<p>The government&#39;s intervention came after a week-long protest largely by youths, including students, in the Marina Beach in Chennai, and elsewhere in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Jan 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance

Jallikattu, the bull taming sport, will be organised in Alanganallur village in Tamil Nadu on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, the Madurai District Collector visited the site to review the arrangements. Meanwhile, as many as 49 people were injured during the event which was organised in Palamedu district. Madurai's famous Jallikattu arena Palamedu hosted the bull-taming sport after two years after a ban on the sport was lifted in January. According to reports, a total of 850 bulls have been registered for the sport that held at Palamedu. On February 5, at least 37 bull tamers were injured in Madurai's Avanipuram during Jallikattu. Of the injured, nine have been admitted to hospital for medical treatment, while the others who are not critical are being given first aid. Jallikattu is usually held during the harvest festival of Pongal in mid-January, but could not be organised in the past three years in view of the ban on the sport. Amid continuing protests over the ban on Jallikattu across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance. With the government promulgating an ordinance and subsequently getting a Bill passed in the state assembly allowing Jallikattu, the event is being held in several parts of the state in the past few days. The government's intervention came after a week-long protest largely by youths, including students, in the Marina Beach in Chennai, and elsewhere in the state. (ANI)

India: Jallikattu to be organised in Tamil Nadu village today

<p>India&#39;s Madras High Court on Friday asked the Tamil Nadu police to file an affidavit on AIADMK MLAs lodged at a resort near the southern state&#39;s capital of Chennai.</p>

<p>A Habeas Corpus petition&nbsp;on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs after the Tamil Nadu government said the legislators were staying at the MLAs&#39; Hostel and &quot;free to move around&quot;.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation seeking to restrain AIADMK leader VK Sasikala from being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her.</p>

<p>Sasikala has staked claim to form the government at a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who has not yet given any indication as to what course of action he will take.</p>

<p>Hours after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Rao on Thursday, Sasikala called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan.The meeting with the governor lasted about 40 minutes. AIADMK claimed 131 MLAs had attended a meeting called by her in the wake of a rebellion by O Panneerselvam, who resigned as the chief minister on February 6 triggering another wave of political instability in the state.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam had called on Rao and after a brief meeting told reporters that &quot;good things will happen and dharma will triumph.&quot;</p>

<p>He currently has the support of leaders like former Ministers KP Munusamy, Natham R Viswanathan, Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan and a few sitting MLAs, besides AIADMK presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who switched sides and is now backing Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion.</p>

<p>Before O Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala claiming he was forced to resign, he had submitted his resignation to the governor on February 6 and was asked to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made.</p>

<p>Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion.</p>

<p>(This report &nbsp;first appeared in DNA)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A Habeas Corpus petition?on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs in the wake of the ongoing political crisis

India's Madras High Court on Friday asked the Tamil Nadu police to file an affidavit on AIADMK MLAs lodged at a resort near the southern state's capital of Chennai. A Habeas Corpus petition on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs after the Tamil Nadu government said the legislators were staying at the MLAs' Hostel and "free to move around". Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation seeking to restrain AIADMK leader VK Sasikala from being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her. Sasikala has staked claim to form the government at a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who has not yet given any indication as to what course of action he will take. Hours after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Rao on Thursday, Sasikala called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan.The meeting with the governor lasted about 40 minutes. AIADMK claimed 131 MLAs had attended a meeting called by her in the wake of a rebellion by O Panneerselvam, who resigned as the chief minister on February 6 triggering another wave of political instability in the state. Panneerselvam had called on Rao and after a brief meeting told reporters that "good things will happen and dharma will triumph." He currently has the support of leaders like former Ministers KP Munusamy, Natham R Viswanathan, Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan and a few sitting MLAs, besides AIADMK presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who switched sides and is now backing Panneerselvam. Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion. Before O Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala claiming he was forced to resign, he had submitted his resignation to the governor on February 6 and was asked to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made. Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Madras High Court asks Tamil Nadu police to file affidavit on AIADMK MLAs kept at resort

<p>VK Sasikala, the general secretary of Tamil Nadu&#39;s ruling party, AIADMK, staked her claim to be the state&#39;s chief minister before Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao today, her party said. She was accompanied by five senior leaders of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa is involved in a power struggle between her and incumbent chief minister&nbsp;O Panneerselvam for the post of chief minister.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. <a href="https://t.co/RdNkAIsmWI">pic.twitter.com/RdNkAIsmWI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829689651627634694">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
The governor, who arrived in the Southern Indian state in the afternoon, is expected to take a decision on power tussle today itself, sources said.</p>

<p>Sasikala, who took over as AIADMK general secretary after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December, has the support of about 130 of the party&#39;s 135 legislators, most of whom are currently lodged in a resort in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She earlier visited the memorial of Jayalalithaa, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, including some senior ministers, prior to her meeting with Vidyasagar Rao.</p>

<p>&nbsp;O Panneerselvam, who was the first to meet the governor, said he had briefed him about the political developments in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I briefed the governor about the political developments in the state. I want to stress that dharma (righteousness) will win,&quot; Panneerselvam told the press soon after the meeting.</p>

<p>He also claimed several AIADMK legislators have promised to join him to prevent Sasikala from taking over as chief minister. He said Sasikala had &quot;betrayed&quot;&nbsp;Jayalalithaa and was using &quot;dirty tricks&quot; to acquire the chief minister&#39;s chair.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam cited the example of top AIADMK leader E Madusudanan who crossed sides today, saying he wanted to &quot;safeguard&quot; the party. &quot;Madusudanan has come here to lead the struggle,&quot; the incumbent chief minister said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;People do not like Sasikala,&quot; Madusudanan, who is considered the No. 2 in the AIADMK said.</p>

<p>&quot;Only to seek pardon (for associating with Sasikala), I have come to the side of Panneerselvam,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>AIADMK legislator V Maithreyan hailed Panneerselvam as Jayalalithaa&#39;s successor and said what began as a &quot;silent meditation&quot; had now led to an uprising.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan told ANI that the legislators of the Sasikala camp had been staying at their convenience at hotels and had &quot;not been forced or compelled to do anything.&quot;&nbsp;He also claimed a letter of support of 135 MLAs including Paneerselvam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels etc, they have not been forced or compelled to do anything: TN Education Minister <a href="https://t.co/QTwCzREHbX">pic.twitter.com/QTwCzREHbX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829629326207315968">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have letter of support for VK Sasikala from 135 MLAs including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paneerselvam?src=hash">#Paneerselvam</a>, we still have that letter: TN Education Minister <a href="https://t.co/Yt5vGdp8Ir">pic.twitter.com/Yt5vGdp8Ir</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829629135932710912">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home minister Rajnath Singh has clarified that the federal government will not interfere in the political crisis in the state since it was the internal matter of the AIADMK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Current political scenario in Tamil Nadu is AIADMK&#39;s internal matter, Govt has nothing to do with it,&quot; Rajnath Singh told ANI.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Sasikala sacked&nbsp;former&nbsp;Puducherry&nbsp;MLA Om Sakthi Sekar from the AIADMK.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, AIADMK MPs are in the national capital to knock at the door of President Pranab Mukherjee in order to seek his intervention for bringing political stability in the state.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government also revoked the suspension of former Tamil Nadu chief secretary Ganadesikan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to the governor earlier on Sunday. His resignation was accepted by the governor, who had asked him to continue till the necessary arrangements were made.<br />
<br />
Panneerselvam later said he was forced to resign from the chief minister post by the Sasikala camp, an allegation that was later denied by the AIADMK general secretary.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Incumbent chief minister Pannerselvam was the first to meet the governor who is expected to take a decision on the crisis in the state today

VK Sasikala, the general secretary of Tamil Nadu's ruling party, AIADMK, staked her claim to be the state's chief minister before Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao today, her party said. She was accompanied by five senior leaders of the AIADMK. The aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa is involved in a power struggle between her and incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam for the post of chief minister. Chennai: #VKSasikala reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/RdNkAIsmWI — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 The governor, who arrived in the Southern Indian state in the afternoon, is expected to take a decision on power tussle today itself, sources said. Sasikala, who took over as AIADMK general secretary after Jayalalithaa's death in December, has the support of about 130 of the party's 135 legislators, most of whom are currently lodged in a resort in Chennai. She earlier visited the memorial of Jayalalithaa, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, including some senior ministers, prior to her meeting with Vidyasagar Rao. O Panneerselvam, who was the first to meet the governor, said he had briefed him about the political developments in the state. "I briefed the governor about the political developments in the state. I want to stress that dharma (righteousness) will win," Panneerselvam told the press soon after the meeting. He also claimed several AIADMK legislators have promised to join him to prevent Sasikala from taking over as chief minister. He said Sasikala had "betrayed" Jayalalithaa and was using "dirty tricks" to acquire the chief minister's chair. Panneerselvam cited the example of top AIADMK leader E Madusudanan who crossed sides today, saying he wanted to "safeguard" the party. "Madusudanan has come here to lead the struggle," the incumbent chief minister said. "People do not like Sasikala," Madusudanan, who is considered the No. 2 in the AIADMK said. "Only to seek pardon (for associating with Sasikala), I have come to the side of Panneerselvam," he added. AIADMK legislator V Maithreyan hailed Panneerselvam as Jayalalithaa's successor and said what began as a "silent meditation" had now led to an uprising. Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan told ANI that the legislators of the Sasikala camp had been staying at their convenience at hotels and had "not been forced or compelled to do anything." He also claimed a letter of support of 135 MLAs including Paneerselvam. MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels etc, they have not been forced or compelled to do anything: TN Education Minister pic.twitter.com/QTwCzREHbX — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 × We have letter of support for VK Sasikala from 135 MLAs including #Paneerselvam, we still have that letter: TN Education Minister pic.twitter.com/Yt5vGdp8Ir — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 × Home minister Rajnath Singh has clarified that the federal government will not interfere in the political crisis in the state since it was the internal matter of the AIADMK. "Current political scenario in Tamil Nadu is AIADMK's internal matter, Govt has nothing to do with it," Rajnath Singh told ANI. Earlier in the day, Sasikala sacked former Puducherry MLA Om Sakthi Sekar from the AIADMK. Meanwhile, AIADMK MPs are in the national capital to knock at the door of President Pranab Mukherjee in order to seek his intervention for bringing political stability in the state. On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government also revoked the suspension of former Tamil Nadu chief secretary Ganadesikan. Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to the governor earlier on Sunday. His resignation was accepted by the governor, who had asked him to continue till the necessary arrangements were made. Panneerselvam later said he was forced to resign from the chief minister post by the Sasikala camp, an allegation that was later denied by the AIADMK general secretary. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu's Game of Thrones: Sasikala, Pannerselvam meet governor over political tussle

<p>Thirty-six people were injured, one of them seriously, in a Jallikattu event held at Avanipuram in the district amid high-security today in which more than 900 bulls were used, police said. All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said.</p>

<p>More than 700 bull-tamers participated in the events, which were witnessed by thousands of spectators.</p>

<p>The bull-taming sport was formally inaugurated by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar and District Collector Veeraraghava Rao. Top officials of the district and police administrations, including Superintendent of Police, were also present at the venue.</p>

<p>Police said all precautionary measures, including mandatory medical tests for bulls and participants as laid down by the state government, were taken before the conduct of the traditional rural sport.</p>

<p>Normally, Jallikattu is held as part of the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. However, it was not held during Pongal this year due to a Supreme Court ban.</p>

<p>Amid continuing protests over Jallikattu ban across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance.</p>

<p>(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said

Thirty-six people were injured, one of them seriously, in a Jallikattu event held at Avanipuram in the district amid high-security today in which more than 900 bulls were used, police said. All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said. More than 700 bull-tamers participated in the events, which were witnessed by thousands of spectators. The bull-taming sport was formally inaugurated by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar and District Collector Veeraraghava Rao. Top officials of the district and police administrations, including Superintendent of Police, were also present at the venue. Police said all precautionary measures, including mandatory medical tests for bulls and participants as laid down by the state government, were taken before the conduct of the traditional rural sport. Normally, Jallikattu is held as part of the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. However, it was not held during Pongal this year due to a Supreme Court ban. Amid continuing protests over Jallikattu ban across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu: 36 injured in Jallikattu event at Avanipuram

<p>Instituting a veiled attack on the leadership of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramaniam Swamy on Sunday said it would be awkward if AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala goes on to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, citing her involvement in the disproportionate assets case.</p>

<p>&quot;There was no bar to Sasikala becoming the chief minister but, the practical questions are there. There&#39;s my case in the Supreme Court regarding the disproportionate assets. She&#39;s also party to it. She is also one of the accused. So, it will be awkward if she becomes the chief minister,&quot; he told ANI.</p>

<p>&quot;Moreover, before she fights by-elections, the Supreme Court judgement will come. So, going by the reports that she is not going to stake a claim to become the chief minister, I think, it&#39;s a wise move. This is because as it is she is a very powerful person as far as the general secretary-ship of the party is concerned,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, a meeting of party MLAs to be chaired by Sasikala on Sunday triggered speculations that she was set to replace chief minister O Panneerselvam as the leader of the party. Senior leaders of the AIADMK, however, dismissed rumours of any imminent change in the party leadership and said the meeting was to facilitate better communication between the MLAs and the government.</p>

<p>Swamy also attacked chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian for presenting a survey that showed that Indian economy is in a bad shape, which he begs to differ with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They are still depending on the National Sample Survey for estimates. The economic survey has painted a very gloomy picture. I have made a strong objection against Aravind Subramaniam taking out such a report because the picture is not as gloomy as the Economic Survey is making it out to be,&quot; Swamy told ANI.</p>

<p>The senior leader also commented on the Chennai oil spill that has been plaguing the state for days now. &quot;It&#39;s a shocking thing as the initial statement was that there was no oil spill. And it is huge. So, there are matters that need to be explained. How did the accident happen? Was it negligence? What should be done that it doesn&#39;t happen again?&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Two vessels namely, MT BW MAPLE and MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, while crossing each other collided on January 28 outside the Kamrajar harbour along the Chennai-Ennore coastline. The Oil Tanker, MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, which was carrying 32813 Tonnes of POL, suffered a rupture which led to engine oil spill.</p>

<p>A massive clean-up operation was launched in Tiruvallur, Chennai and Kancheepuram Districts by engaging more than 2,000 persons at various sites including Ernavur, Chennai Fishing Harbour, Marine Beach, Besant Nagar, Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai and Injambakkam beaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>


The MP said while there was no bar to her becoming the CM, her involvement in the disproportionate assets case would make it awkward

Instituting a veiled attack on the leadership of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramaniam Swamy on Sunday said it would be awkward if AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala goes on to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, citing her involvement in the disproportionate assets case. "There was no bar to Sasikala becoming the chief minister but, the practical questions are there. There's my case in the Supreme Court regarding the disproportionate assets. She's also party to it. She is also one of the accused. So, it will be awkward if she becomes the chief minister," he told ANI. "Moreover, before she fights by-elections, the Supreme Court judgement will come. So, going by the reports that she is not going to stake a claim to become the chief minister, I think, it's a wise move. This is because as it is she is a very powerful person as far as the general secretary-ship of the party is concerned," he added. Earlier, a meeting of party MLAs to be chaired by Sasikala on Sunday triggered speculations that she was set to replace chief minister O Panneerselvam as the leader of the party. Senior leaders of the AIADMK, however, dismissed rumours of any imminent change in the party leadership and said the meeting was to facilitate better communication between the MLAs and the government. Swamy also attacked chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian for presenting a survey that showed that Indian economy is in a bad shape, which he begs to differ with. "They are still depending on the National Sample Survey for estimates. The economic survey has painted a very gloomy picture. I have made a strong objection against Aravind Subramaniam taking out such a report because the picture is not as gloomy as the Economic Survey is making it out to be," Swamy told ANI. The senior leader also commented on the Chennai oil spill that has been plaguing the state for days now. "It's a shocking thing as the initial statement was that there was no oil spill. And it is huge. So, there are matters that need to be explained. How did the accident happen? Was it negligence? What should be done that it doesn't happen again?" he said. Two vessels namely, MT BW MAPLE and MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, while crossing each other collided on January 28 outside the Kamrajar harbour along the Chennai-Ennore coastline. The Oil Tanker, MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, which was carrying 32813 Tonnes of POL, suffered a rupture which led to engine oil spill. A massive clean-up operation was launched in Tiruvallur, Chennai and Kancheepuram Districts by engaging more than 2,000 persons at various sites including Ernavur, Chennai Fishing Harbour, Marine Beach, Besant Nagar, Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai and Injambakkam beaches. (ANI)

It'd be awkward if Sasikala becomes Tamil Nadu CM: Swamy

<p>VK Sasikala, who is set to take over as the chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, was a close confidante of&nbsp;deceased chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. However, it was not always smooth sailing for the AIADMK leader as Jayalalithaa had expelled her along with her husband and relatives from the party in December, 2011 for allegedly working against the party, she was later reinstated after she made a written apology.</p>

<p>Sasikala&#39;s&nbsp;career in the AIADMK has been closely linked to the late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalathiaa, interestingly she was also&nbsp;part of controversial scams in the 90s in which Jayalathiaa was also implicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala&#39;s name was linked with Jayalathiaa in the&nbsp;Tansi land acquisition case in the 1990s, the scam reverberated throughout the 90s leading to her arrest along with Jayalalithaa as recently as 2014.</p>

<p>Subramanian Swamy had filed a petition in 1996 against Jaya Publication and Sasi Enterprises, companies in which Jayalalitha and Sasikala had holdings, purchased lands of Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI), in 1992. Both women were convicted in the lower court and sentenced to two years imprisonment in 2000. The conviction led to Jayalalithaa&#39;s disqualification from the Tamil Nadu assembly polls in 2001, even then Jayalathiaa took oath as the chief minister but she was disqualified from the chief minister&#39;s post by the Supreme Court which forced her to step down.&nbsp;The High Court finally closed the case in 2015, twenty-three years after it first shook Tamil Nadu politics. The land was returned to the government agency as per the Supreme Court&#39;s order. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both leaders were also arrested over the colour TV scam in 1998 after they along with seven others were charged with misuse of chief minister&#39;s office to buy colour televisions at a higher price and allegedly receiving&nbsp;kickbacks worth over 10 crores. They were later acquitted as the court could not find evidence against them while seven others in the case were convicted by the lower court.</p>

<p>60-year-old Sasikala was born in 1957 in Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district of&nbsp;south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sasikala&#39;s closeness to Jayalathiaa started in the mid-70s, and by the late-80s she moved closer to the AIADMK leader, however, she remained&nbsp;Jayalalithaa&#39;s &#39;shadow&#39; for most part&nbsp;of her life inside the AIADMK as she was rarely seen in public and stayed away from holding any political office or party post. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December 2016, the AIADMK general council unanimously appointed Sasikala as the party&#39;s general secretary, now after her appointment as the legislative head of the party and with the stage set for her elevation as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu&nbsp;it would be interesting to see whether she can emerge from &#39;amma&#39;s&#39; shadow and assert herself as a true leader.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Sasikala, a close confidante of deceased chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, was linked to the Tansi land scam and the colour TV in the 90s

VK Sasikala, who is set to take over as the chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, was a close confidante of deceased chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. However, it was not always smooth sailing for the AIADMK leader as Jayalalithaa had expelled her along with her husband and relatives from the party in December, 2011 for allegedly working against the party, she was later reinstated after she made a written apology. Sasikala's career in the AIADMK has been closely linked to the late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalathiaa, interestingly she was also part of controversial scams in the 90s in which Jayalathiaa was also implicated. Sasikala's name was linked with Jayalathiaa in the Tansi land acquisition case in the 1990s, the scam reverberated throughout the 90s leading to her arrest along with Jayalalithaa as recently as 2014. Subramanian Swamy had filed a petition in 1996 against Jaya Publication and Sasi Enterprises, companies in which Jayalalitha and Sasikala had holdings, purchased lands of Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI), in 1992. Both women were convicted in the lower court and sentenced to two years imprisonment in 2000. The conviction led to Jayalalithaa's disqualification from the Tamil Nadu assembly polls in 2001, even then Jayalathiaa took oath as the chief minister but she was disqualified from the chief minister's post by the Supreme Court which forced her to step down. The High Court finally closed the case in 2015, twenty-three years after it first shook Tamil Nadu politics. The land was returned to the government agency as per the Supreme Court's order. Both leaders were also arrested over the colour TV scam in 1998 after they along with seven others were charged with misuse of chief minister's office to buy colour televisions at a higher price and allegedly receiving kickbacks worth over 10 crores. They were later acquitted as the court could not find evidence against them while seven others in the case were convicted by the lower court. 60-year-old Sasikala was born in 1957 in Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sasikala's closeness to Jayalathiaa started in the mid-70s, and by the late-80s she moved closer to the AIADMK leader, however, she remained Jayalalithaa's 'shadow' for most part of her life inside the AIADMK as she was rarely seen in public and stayed away from holding any political office or party post. After Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016, the AIADMK general council unanimously appointed Sasikala as the party's general secretary, now after her appointment as the legislative head of the party and with the stage set for her elevation as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu it would be interesting to see whether she can emerge from 'amma's' shadow and assert herself as a true leader. (WION)

Who is VK Sasikala?

<p>VK Sasikala Natarajan, a close aide of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who took over as AIADMK General Secretary in December, is likely to take over as the CM of the Southern Indian state next week.</p>

<p>According to reports, Sasikala may take over from O Panneerselvam, on February 8 or 9 and a decision in this regard could likely to be taken at a meeting of the AIADMK MLAs on Sunday.</p>

<p>The development comes a day after Sasikala appointed senior leaders, including some former ministers and a former Mayor, to key party posts.</p>

<p>Former ministers KA Sengottaiyan, S Gokula Indira and BV Ramana, besides ex-Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy were appointed as the party&#39;s organisation secretaries, she said. She announced the appointment of various senior leaders, including fisheries minister D Jayakumar, to a number of posts.</p>

<p>She also announced the removal of Ambattur MLA V Alexander as AIADMK&#39;s MGR Youth Wing secretary.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, reversing the appointments made by Jayalalithaa, three top bureaucrats of the state government&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-tamil-nadu-jayalalithaa-s-trusted-aide-asked-to-quit-by-the-cm-panneerselvam-2311563" target="_blank">have been asked to resign</a>&nbsp;by CMO.</p>

<p>Earlier, pledging to take forward the legacy of Jayalalithaa, Sasikala had asserted that none other than party founder MG Ramachandran, Dravidian ideologue CN Annadurai and &#39;Amma&#39; would be given prominence in the party.</p>

<p>In her first formal address to functionaries after formally taking charge as party chief, Sasikala had said that the AIADMK will continue to be run in the same way as it was during Amma;s time when it was administered with a level of &quot;discipline as seen in the Army&quot;. It will continue to follow in the footsteps of these great leaders who looked beyond caste and religion, she said. Her assertion came against the backdrop of some murmur of protests against her taking over as the party&#39;s general secretary.</p>

<p>(This first appeared in DNA)</p>


Reports suggest that Sasikala may take over from O Panneerselvam on February 8 or 9

VK Sasikala Natarajan, a close aide of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who took over as AIADMK General Secretary in December, is likely to take over as the CM of the Southern Indian state next week. According to reports, Sasikala may take over from O Panneerselvam, on February 8 or 9 and a decision in this regard could likely to be taken at a meeting of the AIADMK MLAs on Sunday. The development comes a day after Sasikala appointed senior leaders, including some former ministers and a former Mayor, to key party posts. Former ministers KA Sengottaiyan, S Gokula Indira and BV Ramana, besides ex-Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy were appointed as the party's organisation secretaries, she said. She announced the appointment of various senior leaders, including fisheries minister D Jayakumar, to a number of posts. She also announced the removal of Ambattur MLA V Alexander as AIADMK's MGR Youth Wing secretary. Meanwhile, reversing the appointments made by Jayalalithaa, three top bureaucrats of the state government have been asked to resign by CMO. Earlier, pledging to take forward the legacy of Jayalalithaa, Sasikala had asserted that none other than party founder MG Ramachandran, Dravidian ideologue CN Annadurai and 'Amma' would be given prominence in the party. In her first formal address to functionaries after formally taking charge as party chief, Sasikala had said that the AIADMK will continue to be run in the same way as it was during Amma;s time when it was administered with a level of "discipline as seen in the Army". It will continue to follow in the footsteps of these great leaders who looked beyond caste and religion, she said. Her assertion came against the backdrop of some murmur of protests against her taking over as the party's general secretary. (This first appeared in DNA)

India: AIADMK general secretary Sasikala may take over as chief minister of Tamil Nadu

<p>By Anuradha Mukherjee</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu police have registered cases against the management of two tankers that collided last week leading to a massive oil spill along the Chennai coast, media reports said.</p>

<p>Even a week after the oil spill off India&#39;s south Indian state Tamil Nadu&#39;s capital, Chennai, there is very little confirmed information on the substance that was tipped over into the sea after two ships collided last Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conservation activist have been&nbsp;urging the government to treat the oil spill that has now reached Chennai&#39;s famous Marina beach seriously, say it was a small problem that has been compounded by government neglect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We don&#39;t know how much of it has&nbsp;spilled and what spilled. In the absence of that, we don&rsquo;t have a baseline estimate to assess the damage,&quot; said social activist Nityananda Jayaram, who writes on environmental abuse. &quot;Latest information from the Coast Guards say they have cleaned 70 tonnes of spillage from the northern reaches of Chennai alone.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jayaram said government apathy and denial of the spill has turned it into a bigger environmental hazard for marine life as well as communities like those of fishermen dependent on the sea for a livelihood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Even on the day, January 31, that the slick had reached the Marina (beach in Chennai), the minister (Indian minister for surface transport and ports), Pon Radhakrishnan, came to the city and said there was no spill. Before that the Kamarajar port had said there was no spill. Now the Coast Guards have joined the melee and said the environmental impact is minimal,&quot; said Jayaraman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State authorities had pressed into service 2,000 men for cleaning the beaches and sea front with about 50 &quot;super-suckers&quot; cleaning the effluents from the waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Who are these people, youngsters with no training or even protective gear. The surfeit of oil makes it difficult to breathe there. Petroleum is carcinogenic. This is the most vulgar display of ignorance in Digital India&quot;.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Earlier, Coast Guard Eastern region Inspector General Rajan Bargotra while giving details of the clean up had said a probe has been ordered by the Directorate General of Shipping into the oil spillage that has blackened the Chennai shoreline following the collision of two ships last Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Describing the incident as a &quot;major accident but a minor (oil) spill,&quot; Bargotra said &quot;oil spill has occurred in nearly 34,000 square metres in the eastern coast of Bay of Bengal&quot; amid reports that marine life has been affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 28, MT Dawn Kanchipuram, carrying petroleum oil lubricants (POL), and MT BW Maple, loaded with LPG, collided off Kamarajar Port in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;Several tonnes of crude from MT Dawn spilled into the sea. The oil has spread over a 30 km stretch along the coast, from Ennore where Kamarajar port situated, according to reports.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rajan Bargotra, IG, Coast Guard said the coastline of Chennai and Ennore&nbsp;is expected to be &quot;cleaned up completely by tomorrow&quot;. He added &quot;80 per cent&quot;&nbsp;work is already complete.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 31, the Coast Guard had said in a statement: &quot;It is estimated that more than 20 tonnes of oil has spilt from MT Dawn Kanchipuram as against the initial report of two-three tonnes.&quot;</p>

<p>Many turtles and fish have died and washed ashore due to the oil spill, environmentalists have warned.<br />
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<img id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_editpreview" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/coast%20guardm-20170203034327.jpg" /><br />
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<p>(WION with agency inputs)</p>

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State authorities in Tamil Nadu have pressed into service 2,000 men for cleaning the beaches and sea front with 'super-suckers'

By Anuradha Mukherjee Tamil Nadu police have registered cases against the management of two tankers that collided last week leading to a massive oil spill along the Chennai coast, media reports said. Even a week after the oil spill off India's south Indian state Tamil Nadu's capital, Chennai, there is very little confirmed information on the substance that was tipped over into the sea after two ships collided last Saturday. Conservation activist have been urging the government to treat the oil spill that has now reached Chennai's famous Marina beach seriously, say it was a small problem that has been compounded by government neglect. "We don't know how much of it has spilled and what spilled. In the absence of that, we don’t have a baseline estimate to assess the damage," said social activist Nityananda Jayaram, who writes on environmental abuse. "Latest information from the Coast Guards say they have cleaned 70 tonnes of spillage from the northern reaches of Chennai alone." Jayaram said government apathy and denial of the spill has turned it into a bigger environmental hazard for marine life as well as communities like those of fishermen dependent on the sea for a livelihood. "Even on the day, January 31, that the slick had reached the Marina (beach in Chennai), the minister (Indian minister for surface transport and ports), Pon Radhakrishnan, came to the city and said there was no spill. Before that the Kamarajar port had said there was no spill. Now the Coast Guards have joined the melee and said the environmental impact is minimal," said Jayaraman. State authorities had pressed into service 2,000 men for cleaning the beaches and sea front with about 50 "super-suckers" cleaning the effluents from the waters. "Who are these people, youngsters with no training or even protective gear. The surfeit of oil makes it difficult to breathe there. Petroleum is carcinogenic. This is the most vulgar display of ignorance in Digital India". Earlier, Coast Guard Eastern region Inspector General Rajan Bargotra while giving details of the clean up had said a probe has been ordered by the Directorate General of Shipping into the oil spillage that has blackened the Chennai shoreline following the collision of two ships last Saturday. Describing the incident as a "major accident but a minor (oil) spill," Bargotra said "oil spill has occurred in nearly 34,000 square metres in the eastern coast of Bay of Bengal" amid reports that marine life has been affected. On January 28, MT Dawn Kanchipuram, carrying petroleum oil lubricants (POL), and MT BW Maple, loaded with LPG, collided off Kamarajar Port in Tamil Nadu. Several tonnes of crude from MT Dawn spilled into the sea. The oil has spread over a 30 km stretch along the coast, from Ennore where Kamarajar port situated, according to reports. Meanwhile, Rajan Bargotra, IG, Coast Guard said the coastline of Chennai and Ennore is expected to be "cleaned up completely by tomorrow". He added "80 per cent" work is already complete. On January 31, the Coast Guard had said in a statement: "It is estimated that more than 20 tonnes of oil has spilt from MT Dawn Kanchipuram as against the initial report of two-three tonnes." Many turtles and fish have died and washed ashore due to the oil spill, environmentalists have warned. (WION with agency inputs)

Oil spill off Chennai not properly assessed by government, warn environmentalists

<p>India&#39;s highest court, the Supreme Court of India, has refused to stay the Tamil Nadu government amendment permitting Jallikattu and told the state government that it was its primary responsibility to maintain law and order.</p>

<p>The apex court said there would be no stay on the law which allows the popular bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The court also&nbsp;allowed Jallikkatu to go ahead in Tamil Nadu tomorrow.</p>

<p>The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had on Monday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking that the Tamil Nadu government&#39;s law on bull-taming sport Jallikattu be made invalid.&nbsp;Anjali Sharma, the lawyer for AWBI, told the apex court that she had filed her reply to the charges levelled by G.S. Mani, an intervener in the case. The government has dubbed the plea filed by AWBI and the amendment a &quot;fraud&quot; on the Constitution.</p>

<p>The apex court had earlier on November 16 last year rejected the Tamil Nadu government&#39;s plea seeking review of the 2014 judgement, which banned the use of bulls for Jallikattu events in the state.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu assembly on January 23 unanimously passed the Jallikattu Bill revoking the ban on the bull-taming sport&nbsp;after statewide protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with agencies)</p>


Supreme Court has?allowed Jallikkatu to go ahead in Tamil Nadu tomorrow

India's highest court, the Supreme Court of India, has refused to stay the Tamil Nadu government amendment permitting Jallikattu and told the state government that it was its primary responsibility to maintain law and order. The apex court said there would be no stay on the law which allows the popular bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu. The court also allowed Jallikkatu to go ahead in Tamil Nadu tomorrow. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had on Monday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking that the Tamil Nadu government's law on bull-taming sport Jallikattu be made invalid. Anjali Sharma, the lawyer for AWBI, told the apex court that she had filed her reply to the charges levelled by G.S. Mani, an intervener in the case. The government has dubbed the plea filed by AWBI and the amendment a "fraud" on the Constitution. The apex court had earlier on November 16 last year rejected the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking review of the 2014 judgement, which banned the use of bulls for Jallikattu events in the state. The Tamil Nadu assembly on January 23 unanimously passed the Jallikattu Bill revoking the ban on the bull-taming sport after statewide protests. (WION with agencies)

Tamil Nadu govt can organise Jallikattu: Supreme Court

<p><br />
The Jallikattu row ended in Chennai amid violence in various parts of Tamil Nadu. WION&#39;s correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran who was reporting live from Marina beach - the epicenter of the agitation - was caught in the crossfire several times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report on events unfolding at Marina beach even though he had permission from the police. As the event was being covered live, Tamil Nadu cops manhandled Ramesh Ramachandran&nbsp;which resulted in an argument and amid the chaos WION&#39;s OB cable was damaged and the crew was forced to push back from the actual spot.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>It was not just casual bystanders and auto drivers who bore the brunt of police arson in Chennai on Monday, WION&#39;s camera crew headed by Ramesh Ramachandran was repeatedly manhandled by the cops (WION)</p>
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<p>It did not end there, as the police began hitting the crowd with batons in the afternoon and the crowd retaliated by pelting stones, the Tamil Nadu police forced Ramesh Ramachandran to rush back to the van and prevented the WION crew from shooting the chaotic scenes at Marina beach. Ramesh Ramachandran&nbsp;sustained injuries himself as the police were hitting agitators. WION&#39;s OB van was smashed with both driver and engineer sustaining injuries.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is this how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/reporters?src=hash">#reporters</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash">#news</a> organizations who cover on the ground get treated? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattuprotest?src=hash">#Jallikattuprotest</a> going out of hand. <a href="https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP">https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP</a></p>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/823436443393503233">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ramesh said the Tamil Nadu police mercilessly lathicharged the crowd and held the media responsible for the situation which quickly went out of hand. In fact, the Tamil Nadu police was criticised by actor Kamal Hassan in a series of tweets as&nbsp;he sought to know why police took action when the students were peacefully awaiting the decision the Tamil Nadu assembly&nbsp;on the matter. Many protestors stayed put despite police action and accused the cops of unnecessarily using force on&nbsp;a peaceful agitation.</p>

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<p>WION team was targeted by Tamil Nadu police during the Jallikattu agitation at Marina beach. (WION)</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remains of the day: <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews">@WIONews</a> camera crew covering <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> protest in Chennai assaulted. <a href="https://t.co/Nak2bCy8Ls">pic.twitter.com/Nak2bCy8Ls</a></p>
&mdash; Ramesh Ramachandran (@RRRameshRRR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RRRameshRRR/status/823434280852422656">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>(WION)</p>

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The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report from Marina beach

The Jallikattu row ended in Chennai amid violence in various parts of Tamil Nadu. WION's correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran who was reporting live from Marina beach - the epicenter of the agitation - was caught in the crossfire several times. The Tamil Nadu police repeatedly targeted WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran, not allowing him to report on events unfolding at Marina beach even though he had permission from the police. As the event was being covered live, Tamil Nadu cops manhandled Ramesh Ramachandran which resulted in an argument and amid the chaos WION's OB cable was damaged and the crew was forced to push back from the actual spot. It was not just casual bystanders and auto drivers who bore the brunt of police arson in Chennai on Monday, WION's camera crew headed by Ramesh Ramachandran was repeatedly manhandled by the cops (WION) × It did not end there, as the police began hitting the crowd with batons in the afternoon and the crowd retaliated by pelting stones, the Tamil Nadu police forced Ramesh Ramachandran to rush back to the van and prevented the WION crew from shooting the chaotic scenes at Marina beach. Ramesh Ramachandran sustained injuries himself as the police were hitting agitators. WION's OB van was smashed with both driver and engineer sustaining injuries. Is this how #reporters and #news organizations who cover on the ground get treated? #Jallikattuprotest going out of hand. https://t.co/1LHqRaduRP — WION (@WIONews) January 23, 2017 × Ramesh said the Tamil Nadu police mercilessly lathicharged the crowd and held the media responsible for the situation which quickly went out of hand. In fact, the Tamil Nadu police was criticised by actor Kamal Hassan in a series of tweets as he sought to know why police took action when the students were peacefully awaiting the decision the Tamil Nadu assembly on the matter. Many protestors stayed put despite police action and accused the cops of unnecessarily using force on a peaceful agitation. WION team was targeted by Tamil Nadu police during the Jallikattu agitation at Marina beach. (WION) × Remains of the day: @WIONews camera crew covering #Jallikattu protest in Chennai assaulted. pic.twitter.com/Nak2bCy8Ls — Ramesh Ramachandran (@RRRameshRRR) January 23, 2017 × (WION)

Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu cops target WION camera crew

<p>The Chennai police have come under fire after a video purportedly showing some police personnel setting an auto rickshaw ablaze went viral on on Twitter last evening. On Monday, the Jallikattu protests turned violent, demanding a permanent solution and not an interim stay on the ban.</p>

<p>The video, which was aired by a news channel, was also shared by several well-known personalties, including Kamal Haasan. Sharing a video clip on Twitter, Kamal Haasan asked, &quot;What is this. Please explain some one&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is this. Please explain some one <a href="https://t.co/MMpFXHSOVk">pic.twitter.com/MMpFXHSOVk</a></p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/823517213218877441">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the reports, the incident took place at Mylapore area, which is only a short distance away from the Marina Beach, the epicentre of the agitation which was vacated by late evening.</p>

<p>City Police Commissioner S George said the matter would be probed.</p>

<p>The Chennai Police said anti-social elements had &quot;crept&quot; into the pro-Jallikattu protests here, which turned violent and also asserted that it will not allow such persons to exploit the situation.</p>

<p>The Police used force only after stones were pelted at them, he claimed, adding that his police personnel had no intention to attack or harm the people.</p>

<p>As many as 94 cops sustained injuries while 51 police vehicles were damaged in violence.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared on DNA)</p>


'What is this. Please explain some one,' Hassan asked

The Chennai police have come under fire after a video purportedly showing some police personnel setting an auto rickshaw ablaze went viral on on Twitter last evening. On Monday, the Jallikattu protests turned violent, demanding a permanent solution and not an interim stay on the ban. The video, which was aired by a news channel, was also shared by several well-known personalties, including Kamal Haasan. Sharing a video clip on Twitter, Kamal Haasan asked, "What is this. Please explain some one". What is this. Please explain some one pic.twitter.com/MMpFXHSOVk — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 23, 2017 × According to the reports, the incident took place at Mylapore area, which is only a short distance away from the Marina Beach, the epicentre of the agitation which was vacated by late evening. City Police Commissioner S George said the matter would be probed. The Chennai Police said anti-social elements had "crept" into the pro-Jallikattu protests here, which turned violent and also asserted that it will not allow such persons to exploit the situation. The Police used force only after stones were pelted at them, he claimed, adding that his police personnel had no intention to attack or harm the people. As many as 94 cops sustained injuries while 51 police vehicles were damaged in violence. (This report first appeared on DNA)

Chennai police under fire after Kamal Haasan, others tweet video of cop setting auto ablaze

<p>Two people have died and dozens injured during a Jallikattu event&nbsp;in Pudukottai district in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The people injured during the incident were discharged after providing first-aid, according to the Press Trust of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was to inaugurate the&nbsp;Alanganallur Jallikattu today but that was not to be with organisers&nbsp;there refusing to conduct the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>The organisers said they wanted a &quot;permanent solution&quot;, not the ordinance promulgated on Saturday by the state government, allowing the holding of the sport in the state for six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To press home their point, the residents of Alanganallur in Madurai district blocked all entry points into the village. And organisers removed all bulls from the local arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the sport -- in which groups of men face off with a bull in an open field, and try to grab hold of the hump on its back -- was held in other parts of the state.</p>

<p>PTI reported that Jallikattu was held in&nbsp;Tiruchirappalli district with traditional fervour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Manapparai in Tiruchirappali district, it said thousands witnessed the event as bulls roared out into the sporting arena.</p>

<p>Youths tried to hold on to their humps for a brief distance as the animals sped towards the exit.</p>

<p>Hundreds of bulls and youths participated in the show. The owners of winning animals and youngsters were awarded prize money.</p>

<p>&quot;Manjuvirattu&quot;, another form of jallikattu , was reported from villages in Dharmpauri district.</p>

<p>&nbsp;It is Alanganallur however which is famous for the sport, and the only place in the state where the sport is conducted as an official function. So holding it there would mean the sport has &quot;officially&quot;&nbsp;started in the state. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Jallikattu was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, PTI reported that officials were making arrangements for the holding of Jallikattu in Alanganallur. And that officials were trying to pacify and convince the organisers that the ordinance is a permanent solution.</p>

<p>Agitators were told that the ordinance will be replaced by a law. That a bill will be introduced in the state&nbsp;assembly and passed into law, making for a permanent solution.</p>

<p>As for Panneerselvam, he is now expected to inaugurate the Jallikattu in neighbouring Dindigul district.</p>

<p>(With inputs from PTI)</p>


Earlier, head of Tamil Nadu state was not allowed to inaugurate the?Alanganallur Jallikattu as organisers refused to conduct the sport

Two people have died and dozens injured during a Jallikattu event in Pudukottai district in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people injured during the incident were discharged after providing first-aid, according to the Press Trust of India. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was to inaugurate the Alanganallur Jallikattu today but that was not to be with organisers there refusing to conduct the bull-taming sport. The organisers said they wanted a "permanent solution", not the ordinance promulgated on Saturday by the state government, allowing the holding of the sport in the state for six months. To press home their point, the residents of Alanganallur in Madurai district blocked all entry points into the village. And organisers removed all bulls from the local arena. But the sport -- in which groups of men face off with a bull in an open field, and try to grab hold of the hump on its back -- was held in other parts of the state. PTI reported that Jallikattu was held in Tiruchirappalli district with traditional fervour. In Manapparai in Tiruchirappali district, it said thousands witnessed the event as bulls roared out into the sporting arena. Youths tried to hold on to their humps for a brief distance as the animals sped towards the exit. Hundreds of bulls and youths participated in the show. The owners of winning animals and youngsters were awarded prize money. "Manjuvirattu", another form of jallikattu , was reported from villages in Dharmpauri district. It is Alanganallur however which is famous for the sport, and the only place in the state where the sport is conducted as an official function. So holding it there would mean the sport has "officially" started in the state. Jallikattu was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, PTI reported that officials were making arrangements for the holding of Jallikattu in Alanganallur. And that officials were trying to pacify and convince the organisers that the ordinance is a permanent solution. Agitators were told that the ordinance will be replaced by a law. That a bill will be introduced in the state assembly and passed into law, making for a permanent solution. As for Panneerselvam, he is now expected to inaugurate the Jallikattu in neighbouring Dindigul district. (With inputs from PTI)

Two dead, dozens wounded during bull-taming event in India's southern state

<p>The chief minister of India&#39;s southern state Tamil Nadu will flag off Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, from Madurai district on Sunday (January 22).&nbsp;The protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach, appeared to be in no mood to relent and demanded a permanent solution.<br />
<br />
Ministers in O Panneerselvam&#39;s administration will inaugurate the sport across the state after the state governor approved an emergency ordinance to hold the bull-taming sport, succumbing to a widespread agitation across the state.</p>

<p>Chief minister O Panneerselvam&#39;s party, the ruling AIADMK, announced the news on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru O. Panneerselvam inaugurates Jallikattu at Alanganallur at 10 a.m., tomorrow.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822769757317275648">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu State Ministers will inaugurate Jallikattu in their respective districts tomorrow.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822769943292702720">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chief minister has also appealed to the people of the state to participate in Jallikattu events across the state.&nbsp;He also thanked PM Narendra Modi-led federal government for its support to the emergency law on Jallikattu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam&nbsp;said Modi &quot;was responsible for the approval of several Central government departments and President Pranab Mukherjee in a single day,&quot; PTI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru O Panneerselvam appeals to students, women and the public to take part in Jallikattu events tomororw in large numbers.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822772364609847296">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of Government and people of TN, thank you for your support in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again - CM to PM.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822778086752034816">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins, the AIADMK announced.&nbsp;Panneerselvam clarified that since the ordinance was only applicable for six months, the new law would be formulated in the upcoming assembly session.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao approves Jallikattu ordinance - Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/822774735175942144">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since ordinance will last for 6mnths,in coming assembly session will formulate new law so <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> takes place without hindrance:TN CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822780534254370816">January 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jallikattu was banned by India&#39;s Supreme Court and the federal government after the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cited animal cruelty concerns. PETA had told the court the bulls were drugged and underwent violence during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>But the public at large was up in arms and launched a statewide agitation seeking overturning the ban. They said the Jallikattu ban was an assault on Tamil culture and pride and piled pressure on the local Tamil Nadu government to redress the problem and take action against PETA, an animal rights group.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government since has gone on an overdrive to ensure that the ban is lifted and consequently appease a seething mass of agitators across the state.</p>

<p>The local government in India&#39;s southern state is looking to impose a ban on PETA following the Jallikattu fiasco in recent days.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu education minister K Pandiarajan also told CNN News18 that they exploring legal options to ban PETA as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We will also work towards banning PETA. That&rsquo;s the other commitment we have made and we will work towards it. As our general secretary Chinamma (AIADMK chief VK Sasikala) has committed, it will happen,&rdquo; the minister said.</p>

<p><strong>How the Tamil Nadu govt obtained the go-ahead</strong></p>

<p>Panneerselvam said the Tamil Nadu Government issued an ordinance after obtaining the president&#39;s assent as envisaged under Article 213 of the Constitution. He added that President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s approval to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by Tamil Nadu was received last night.</p>

<p>&quot;The assent for the ordinance (amending the PCA Act) has been obtained from govenor also,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The federal government had notified &quot;bulls&quot; under section 22 of the PCA Act, 1960 which prohibited training and exhibiting bulls as performing animals. In 2014, India&#39;s highest court altogether banned the sport. The court had also struck down the 2009 Act of the Tamil Nadu government regulating jallikattu, stating that it was repugnant to the PCA Act 1960.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu had filed a review petition against the ban which was also dismissed by the top court in December 2016.</p>

<p>In 2015, AIADMK legislators urged the Indian parliament to allow an amendment by the federal government to allow Jallikattu. When these effors failed, former chief minister Jayalalithaa had urged the promulgation of an ordinance on December 22, 2015 to allow the sport.</p>

<p>Following these efforts, the federal government issued a notification in Janaury 2016 allowing Jallikattu which was subsequently stayed by the top court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After that, Tamil Nadu had batted for an ordinance on the matter to allow the sport.</p>

<p><strong>Tamil Nadu legislator meets President for &#39;permanent solution&#39;</strong></p>

<p>Anbumani Ramadoss, member of Parliament&#39;s Lower House, Lok Sabha, today met President Pranab Mukherjee for a &quot;permanent solution&quot; by way of a parliamentary amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960.</p>

<p>Ramadoss, who met the president in New Delhi, said the emergency ordinance was just a temporary solution and it could be quashed by the top court anytime.</p>

<p>&quot;We want an assurance from the central government that it would amend the PCA Act in the upcoming session of parliament if the supreme court quashes the ordinance sometime later,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the ordinance would not solve the problem since the matter could still be challenged in the top court which could give an adverse decision on the matter.</p>

<p>&quot;This will not resolve the problem, there has to be a long term solution. This matter could still go to the SC, &amp; we could get an adverse decision from SC,for those who&#39;re agitation against decision,&quot; Khurshid told ANI.</p>

<p>The federal government cleared draft ordinance on Jallikattu yesterday (January 20) to allow Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it.</p>

<p><strong>Governor backs overturning of ban</strong></p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today said he was satisfied that an ordinance was the most appropriate route to bring back Jallikattu in the wake of massive protests across the state seeking nod for holding the event.</p>

<p>Since the issue is resolved through ordinance, &quot;The Governor is confident that life would return to normalcy and all (protesters) would return to their homes with Jallikattu around the corner,&quot; Raj Bhavan said in an official release here.</p>

<p>The Governor&#39;s statement assumes significance amid the claims of protesters and Opposition parties that ordinance is not a &quot;permanent solution&quot; to hold the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>

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The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins

The chief minister of India's southern state Tamil Nadu will flag off Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, from Madurai district on Sunday (January 22). The protesters, who gathered at the Marina Beach, appeared to be in no mood to relent and demanded a permanent solution. Ministers in O Panneerselvam's administration will inaugurate the sport across the state after the state governor approved an emergency ordinance to hold the bull-taming sport, succumbing to a widespread agitation across the state. Chief minister O Panneerselvam's party, the ruling AIADMK, announced the news on Twitter. Honourable CM Thiru O. Panneerselvam inaugurates Jallikattu at Alanganallur at 10 a.m., tomorrow. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × Tamil Nadu State Ministers will inaugurate Jallikattu in their respective districts tomorrow. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × The chief minister has also appealed to the people of the state to participate in Jallikattu events across the state. He also thanked PM Narendra Modi-led federal government for its support to the emergency law on Jallikattu. Panneerselvam said Modi "was responsible for the approval of several Central government departments and President Pranab Mukherjee in a single day," PTI reported. Honourable CM Thiru O Panneerselvam appeals to students, women and the public to take part in Jallikattu events tomororw in large numbers. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × On behalf of Government and people of TN, thank you for your support in enabling Jallikattu to be held in Tamil Nadu once again - CM to PM. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × The bill to replace the ordinance will be tabled in the state assembly on January 23 when the first Assembly session begins, the AIADMK announced. Panneerselvam clarified that since the ordinance was only applicable for six months, the new law would be formulated in the upcoming assembly session. Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao approves Jallikattu ordinance - Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) January 21, 2017 × Since ordinance will last for 6mnths,in coming assembly session will formulate new law so #Jallikattu takes place without hindrance:TN CM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 21, 2017 × Jallikattu was banned by India's Supreme Court and the federal government after the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cited animal cruelty concerns. PETA had told the court the bulls were drugged and underwent violence during the annual harvest festival of Pongal in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. But the public at large was up in arms and launched a statewide agitation seeking overturning the ban. They said the Jallikattu ban was an assault on Tamil culture and pride and piled pressure on the local Tamil Nadu government to redress the problem and take action against PETA, an animal rights group. The Tamil Nadu government since has gone on an overdrive to ensure that the ban is lifted and consequently appease a seething mass of agitators across the state. The local government in India's southern state is looking to impose a ban on PETA following the Jallikattu fiasco in recent days. Tamil Nadu education minister K Pandiarajan also told CNN News18 that they exploring legal options to ban PETA as well. “We will also work towards banning PETA. That’s the other commitment we have made and we will work towards it. As our general secretary Chinamma (AIADMK chief VK Sasikala) has committed, it will happen,” the minister said. How the Tamil Nadu govt obtained the go-ahead Panneerselvam said the Tamil Nadu Government issued an ordinance after obtaining the president's assent as envisaged under Article 213 of the Constitution. He added that President Pranab Mukherjee's approval to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by Tamil Nadu was received last night. "The assent for the ordinance (amending the PCA Act) has been obtained from govenor also," he said. The federal government had notified "bulls" under section 22 of the PCA Act, 1960 which prohibited training and exhibiting bulls as performing animals. In 2014, India's highest court altogether banned the sport. The court had also struck down the 2009 Act of the Tamil Nadu government regulating jallikattu, stating that it was repugnant to the PCA Act 1960. Tamil Nadu had filed a review petition against the ban which was also dismissed by the top court in December 2016. In 2015, AIADMK legislators urged the Indian parliament to allow an amendment by the federal government to allow Jallikattu. When these effors failed, former chief minister Jayalalithaa had urged the promulgation of an ordinance on December 22, 2015 to allow the sport. Following these efforts, the federal government issued a notification in Janaury 2016 allowing Jallikattu which was subsequently stayed by the top court. After that, Tamil Nadu had batted for an ordinance on the matter to allow the sport. Tamil Nadu legislator meets President for 'permanent solution' Anbumani Ramadoss, member of Parliament's Lower House, Lok Sabha, today met President Pranab Mukherjee for a "permanent solution" by way of a parliamentary amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960. Ramadoss, who met the president in New Delhi, said the emergency ordinance was just a temporary solution and it could be quashed by the top court anytime. "We want an assurance from the central government that it would amend the PCA Act in the upcoming session of parliament if the supreme court quashes the ordinance sometime later," he said. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the ordinance would not solve the problem since the matter could still be challenged in the top court which could give an adverse decision on the matter. "This will not resolve the problem, there has to be a long term solution. This matter could still go to the SC, & we could get an adverse decision from SC,for those who're agitation against decision," Khurshid told ANI. The federal government cleared draft ordinance on Jallikattu yesterday (January 20) to allow Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it. Governor backs overturning of ban Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today said he was satisfied that an ordinance was the most appropriate route to bring back Jallikattu in the wake of massive protests across the state seeking nod for holding the event. Since the issue is resolved through ordinance, "The Governor is confident that life would return to normalcy and all (protesters) would return to their homes with Jallikattu around the corner," Raj Bhavan said in an official release here. The Governor's statement assumes significance amid the claims of protesters and Opposition parties that ordinance is not a "permanent solution" to hold the bull-taming sport. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Jallikattu to be held across Tamil Nadu today after govt approves ordinance

<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>

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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>

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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of<br />
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<p>Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court&#39;s earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam&#39;s assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them.</p>

<p>The Indian government&#39;s top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government&#39;s stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject.</p>

<p>Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported.</p>

<p>Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government&#39;s help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported.</p>

<p>&quot;We will seek the central government&#39;s help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people,&quot; an AIADMK leader told PTI.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu</strong></p>

<p>Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the &nbsp;demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition &amp; livelihood are .</p>
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821930810509033472">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION.</p>

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<p>At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits.</p>

<p>They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported.</p>

<p>In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand.</p>

<p>Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry.</p>

<p><strong>Protests to continue tomorrow</strong></p>

<p>The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Traders&#39; Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow.</p>

<p>Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu.</p>

<p>Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.</p>

<p>The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played.</p>

<p><strong>Top court refuses to hear plea</strong></p>

<p>The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India&#39;s highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India&#39;s news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The pro-Jallikattu protesters got a shot in the arm with prominent Tamil personalities supporting them

The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters. I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu! — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 19, 2017 × Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court's earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam's assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them. The Indian government's top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government's stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject. Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events. Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported. Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government's help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported. "We will seek the central government's help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people," an AIADMK leader told PTI. Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport. Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol. #jallikattu is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition & livelihood are . — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × "Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION. At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai's Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits. They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported. In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand. Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry. Protests to continue tomorrow The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow. The Tamil Nadu Traders' Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu. Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played. Top court refuses to hear plea The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India's highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India's news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. Watch: (WION with inputs from agencies)

Protests against bull-taming sport paralyse Tamil Nadu; Schools, colleges to shut in Chennai

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected. &ldquo;It is a very important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu. Their side of the story was represented well,&rdquo; said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He said Sankranti and Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils and this sentiment has to be respected. &ldquo;Bulls are decorated and well taken care off and if you ban them it is like saying that people should not visit sisters on bhai dooj festival,&rdquo; he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar argued that bull sport is not confined to Tamil Nadu only as it is prevalent in other states.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the question of cruelty against animals he said that specific cases can be looked into but to ban the whole festival is not correct. He insisted that stringent laws and rules should be implemented instead of banning the festival itself. He even argued that if bulls aren&rsquo;t used in the festival then they are sent to the slaughter houses.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;If cruelty against the animals has to be stopped then slaughter houses need to be closed down. Banning them would eventually diminish the stock of the native breed,&rdquo; he said. He argued that in Orissa 15 indigenous breed of bulls have been lost. &ldquo;People suspect it to be a conspiracy against indigenous breeds,&rdquo; he said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Jallikattu ban has evoked a sharp response in Tamil Nadu and has led to a large protest at the Marina Beach. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also said that he is not against progressive law making but said that ban doesn&rsquo;t make it progressive law making.&rdquo; We are missing the point. We have to look into the process of the festival. It has riled up the whole community and this needs to factored,&rdquo; he said. Though he refrained from commenting on the issue of judicial activism.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Though he admitted that witch hunt against PETA must end and added by saying that the misgivings of the organization must be addressed. On this very issue Tamil Nadu chief minister has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring in the amendment to override the Supreme Court&rsquo;s verdict.</p>


Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected

Speaking exclusively to WION, founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the sentiments of the people should be respected. “It is a very important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu. Their side of the story was represented well,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He said Sankranti and Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils and this sentiment has to be respected. “Bulls are decorated and well taken care off and if you ban them it is like saying that people should not visit sisters on bhai dooj festival,” he said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar argued that bull sport is not confined to Tamil Nadu only as it is prevalent in other states. On the question of cruelty against animals he said that specific cases can be looked into but to ban the whole festival is not correct. He insisted that stringent laws and rules should be implemented instead of banning the festival itself. He even argued that if bulls aren’t used in the festival then they are sent to the slaughter houses. “If cruelty against the animals has to be stopped then slaughter houses need to be closed down. Banning them would eventually diminish the stock of the native breed,” he said. He argued that in Orissa 15 indigenous breed of bulls have been lost. “People suspect it to be a conspiracy against indigenous breeds,” he said. Jallikattu ban has evoked a sharp response in Tamil Nadu and has led to a large protest at the Marina Beach. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also said that he is not against progressive law making but said that ban doesn’t make it progressive law making.” We are missing the point. We have to look into the process of the festival. It has riled up the whole community and this needs to factored,” he said. Though he refrained from commenting on the issue of judicial activism. Though he admitted that witch hunt against PETA must end and added by saying that the misgivings of the organization must be addressed. On this very issue Tamil Nadu chief minister has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring in the amendment to override the Supreme Court’s verdict.

Pongal is bigger than Diwali for Tamils: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

<p>Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday night assured everyone in the state that all possible legal means would be taken to ensure justice in the Jallikattu issue even as he said it should not be construed that the Centre was &quot;ignoring&quot; the state on the matter. Meanwhile, several media reports said that schools and colleges in the state would remain shut.</p>

<p>&quot;We should not construe that the Centre is ignoring Tamil Nadu on this issue,&quot; he said when asked if the Union government was &quot;ignoring&quot; the state on the issue despite repeated pleas for an ordinance.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam was speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for an ordinance for the conduct of the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>&quot;The state&nbsp;government is walking the path of Amma (Jayalalithaa). We will take all legal measures till we get justice in the Jallikattu issue,&quot; he said. He added that he had earlier held talks with protestors who are agitating&nbsp;demanding conduct of Jallikattu and they were &quot;satisfied&quot; with his explanation.</p>

<p>They discussed with him their demands of holding the sport in the state, the chief minister said, adding he would apprise Modi of the &quot;sentiments and aspirations&quot; of people of the state during their meeting.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a joint meeting of various Tamil outfits has called for a dawn to dusk strike in support of jallikattu in Pondicherry on January 20. A spokesman of the pro-jallikattu outfits comprising of representatives of various Tamil organisations including Tamilar Desiya Iyakkam and Naam Tamizhar katchi told newsmen that the strike&nbsp;is also aimed at&nbsp;demanding ban on&nbsp;PETA.</p>

<p>The outfits have formed an &#39;action committee&#39; which includes various students organisations and non-political units extending support to jallikattu to spearhead various agitations in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress has announced its support to the dawn to dusk&nbsp;strike&nbsp;called by various Tamil and students outfits in Pondicherry.</p>

<p>Puducherry PCC leader and PWD minister A Namassivayam attacked the NDA government saying the Centre was turning a deaf ear to all the agitations now under way in Tamil Nadu seeking lifting of the ban.</p>

<p>&quot;An abnormal situation is prevailing in Tamil Nadu and the Centre has not taken this into consideration and has failed to bring in an ordinance to lift the ban on the traditional sport of Tamils,&quot; he said and announced support for the strike&nbsp;called by the student outfits.</p>

<p>Secretary of the Puducherry state committee of CPI, I R Viswanathan also announced his party&#39;s support for the&nbsp;strike. He said that the Centre should ban the PETA<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with PTI inputs)</p>


Congress, CPI and several student outfits have called for a strike to force the government to lift the ban on the bull-taming sport

Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday night assured everyone in the state that all possible legal means would be taken to ensure justice in the Jallikattu issue even as he said it should not be construed that the Centre was "ignoring" the state on the matter. Meanwhile, several media reports said that schools and colleges in the state would remain shut. "We should not construe that the Centre is ignoring Tamil Nadu on this issue," he said when asked if the Union government was "ignoring" the state on the issue despite repeated pleas for an ordinance. Panneerselvam was speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for an ordinance for the conduct of the bull-taming sport. "The state government is walking the path of Amma (Jayalalithaa). We will take all legal measures till we get justice in the Jallikattu issue," he said. He added that he had earlier held talks with protestors who are agitating demanding conduct of Jallikattu and they were "satisfied" with his explanation. They discussed with him their demands of holding the sport in the state, the chief minister said, adding he would apprise Modi of the "sentiments and aspirations" of people of the state during their meeting. Meanwhile, a joint meeting of various Tamil outfits has called for a dawn to dusk strike in support of jallikattu in Pondicherry on January 20. A spokesman of the pro-jallikattu outfits comprising of representatives of various Tamil organisations including Tamilar Desiya Iyakkam and Naam Tamizhar katchi told newsmen that the strike is also aimed at demanding ban on PETA. The outfits have formed an 'action committee' which includes various students organisations and non-political units extending support to jallikattu to spearhead various agitations in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress has announced its support to the dawn to dusk strike called by various Tamil and students outfits in Pondicherry. Puducherry PCC leader and PWD minister A Namassivayam attacked the NDA government saying the Centre was turning a deaf ear to all the agitations now under way in Tamil Nadu seeking lifting of the ban. "An abnormal situation is prevailing in Tamil Nadu and the Centre has not taken this into consideration and has failed to bring in an ordinance to lift the ban on the traditional sport of Tamils," he said and announced support for the strike called by the student outfits. Secretary of the Puducherry state committee of CPI, I R Viswanathan also announced his party's support for the strike. He said that the Centre should ban the PETA (WION with PTI inputs)

Jallikattu protests continue, Tamil Nadu CM to meet PM Modi

<p>Head of India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Delhi today to press for an ordinance on&nbsp;Jallikattu. The chief minister while briefing reporters said the Prime Minister respects the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>&quot;I have asked the Prime Minister for an ordinance to be passed on Jallikattu,&quot; he said, adding the central government has assured support to the Tamil Nadu government. The chief minister also said AIADMK leader Sasikala&nbsp;has also written to Prime Minister Modi on the matter.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister&#39;s Office in a statement said while appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, Prime Minister Modi observed that the matter is presently sub-judice in court. Meanwhile, protesters have blocked highways in Chennai, according to media reports.</p>

<p>Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.</p>

<p>The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region&#39;s cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss sitting in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> outside PM residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, has been detained by Police. <a href="https://t.co/yf3Kio4pDd">pic.twitter.com/yf3Kio4pDd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821994952414502912">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India&#39;s highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu&nbsp;row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India&#39;s news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam arrives in PM Modi&#39;s residence at 7, Race Course Road to apprise the Indian prime minister of the &quot;sentiments and aspirations&quot; of the people and push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport .&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge ordinance on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a>. <a href="https://t.co/KnTgV9YKhR">pic.twitter.com/KnTgV9YKhR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821953366188142596">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION Exclusive: &quot;Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living.</p>

<p>Jallikatu not a progressive law:&nbsp;Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.</p>

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<p>In an exclusive discussion with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar talks about the demonstration at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach in support of Jallikattu and much more. (WION)</p>
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<p>Police beat&nbsp;protesters in Alanganallur in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>People throng&nbsp;Chennai&#39;s Marina beach in support of Jalikattu. (Source: ANI)</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People thronging Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash">#Jalikattu</a>, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. <a href="https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn">pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;People thronging Chennai's Marina Beach in support of &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalikattu?src=hash&gt;#Jalikattu&lt;/a&gt;, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn href=https://t.co/9VKbuZiIjn&gt;pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;? ANI (@ANI_news) &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120 href=https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/821945408230277120&gt;January 19, 2017&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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<p>Tamils protest outside Jantar Mantar in Delhi.</p>

<p>Pro-Jallikattu&nbsp;student protests continue overnight in Marina beach, Chennai.</p>

<p>Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu to remain shut, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statewide protests against the Jallikattu ban have received support from several quarters, including the country&#39;s de facto leading opposition party.</p>

<p><strong>Support pours in from all quarters</strong></p>

<p>Congress leader RS Surjewala said his party &quot;respects&quot; the culture and wants the government to &quot;protect&quot; the rich traditions of the sport.</p>

<p>Renowned musician AR Rahman also backed the protests, tweeting: &quot;I&#39;m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu (sic).&quot;</p>

<p>Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol.<br />
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&quot;#jallikattu is a cultural symbol. Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point. tradition &amp; livelihood are (sic),&quot; the chess legend wrote in his official micro-blogging site Twitter.</p>

<p>Movie stars had voiced their support with the agitators on Thursday (January 18).</p>

<p>Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and &quot;bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)&quot; for trying to &quot;protect&quot; Jallikattu, which is &quot;every Tamilian&#39;s identity&quot;. Tamil actor&nbsp;Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu.</p>

<p>Suriya, another popular cinestar in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu.</p>

<p>The actors&#39; body, the South Indian Artistes&#39; Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


India's PM Modi earlier said he was all for overturning the Jallikattu ban but cannot do much as the matter is sub judice

Head of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Delhi today to press for an ordinance on Jallikattu. The chief minister while briefing reporters said the Prime Minister respects the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. "I have asked the Prime Minister for an ordinance to be passed on Jallikattu," he said, adding the central government has assured support to the Tamil Nadu government. The chief minister also said AIADMK leader Sasikala has also written to Prime Minister Modi on the matter. The Prime Minister's Office in a statement said while appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, Prime Minister Modi observed that the matter is presently sub-judice in court. Meanwhile, protesters have blocked highways in Chennai, according to media reports. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played across Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu, which is considered to be an intrinsic part of the region's cultural identity, sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival during which the sport is played. PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss sitting in support of #Jallikattu outside PM residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, has been detained by Police. pic.twitter.com/yf3Kio4pDd — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India's highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India's news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam arrives in PM Modi's residence at 7, Race Course Road to apprise the Indian prime minister of the "sentiments and aspirations" of the people and push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport . Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge ordinance on #Jallikattu. pic.twitter.com/KnTgV9YKhR — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × WION Exclusive: "Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living. Jallikatu not a progressive law: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In an exclusive discussion with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar talks about the demonstration at Chennai's Marina Beach in support of Jallikattu and much more. (WION) × Police beat protesters in Alanganallur in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. People throng Chennai's Marina beach in support of Jalikattu. (Source: ANI) People thronging Chennai's Marina Beach in support of #Jalikattu, actor Raghava Lawrence also seen in attendance. pic.twitter.com/9VKbuZiIjn — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × Tamils protest outside Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Pro-Jallikattu student protests continue overnight in Marina beach, Chennai. Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu to remain shut, according to local media reports. The statewide protests against the Jallikattu ban have received support from several quarters, including the country's de facto leading opposition party. Support pours in from all quarters Congress leader RS Surjewala said his party "respects" the culture and wants the government to "protect" the rich traditions of the sport. Renowned musician AR Rahman also backed the protests, tweeting: "I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu (sic)." Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol. "#jallikattu is a cultural symbol. Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point. tradition & livelihood are (sic)," the chess legend wrote in his official micro-blogging site Twitter. Movie stars had voiced their support with the agitators on Thursday (January 18). Popular movie star Vijay sent a video message, condemning the arrests of those detained on Monday night and "bowing down (in respect) to each and every one of them (agitators)" for trying to "protect" Jallikattu, which is "every Tamilian's identity". Tamil actor Vishal wrote to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an ordinance facilitating the conduct of jallikattu. Suriya, another popular cinestar in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu -- where the protest is being staged, excoriated PETA for its protracted campaign against Jallikattu. The actors' body, the South Indian Artistes' Association, has announced a hunger strike on January 20. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Bull-taming sport ban protests continue as Indian govt faces heat

<p>As pro-Jallikattu protests across India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu continued to gain steam with a group of youngsters continuing their agitation here through the night, the state government on Wednesday held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull taming sport in the state. The government also told the youths that it would even approach the President seeking an ordinance on the matter.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government has been urging the Centre repeatedly to issue an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu, the bull-taming festival held during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal in mid-January. More than 200 youth were taken into custody on Monday night after they held protests at Alanganallur village demanding lifting of the ban on Jallikattu.</p>

<p>State fisheries minister D Jayakumar, along with his cabinet colleague K Pandiarajan held talks with representatives of the agitators early morning on Monday to defuse the agitation. The minister said 50 AIADMK Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will &quot;exert required pressure on the Centre&quot; to conduct Jallikattu in the state. &quot;Not just that, this government will also take steps to meet the President to seek an ordinance,&quot; Jayakumar said.</p>

<p>Responding to the protestors&#39;&nbsp;demands for an assurance from chief minister O Panneerselvam for conducting Jallikattu, school education minister Pandiarajan said the government cannot give any oral assurance and indicated that the chief minister could issue a statement later in the day on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chandramohan, one of the representatives who held talks with the ministers on behalf of the protestors, insisted that the chief minister support the bull-taming sport. &quot;The government should understand the sentiments of the people and exert pressure on the Centre. The ministers have assured us that they will find a solution,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the protestors at Marina, who converged on Tuesday following an agitation at Alanganallur in Madurai, were unrelenting in their demand to conduct Jallikattu and sat through the night. The agitators claimed that more volunteers had either joined them or were on their way to join the protests. Some reports said over 3,000 people, mostly students had joined the protests demanding permission to host the bull-taming festival in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The state government held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull-taming sport in the state

As pro-Jallikattu protests across India's southern state of Tamil Nadu continued to gain steam with a group of youngsters continuing their agitation here through the night, the state government on Wednesday held talks with agitators and assured its commitment to hold the bull taming sport in the state. The government also told the youths that it would even approach the President seeking an ordinance on the matter. The Tamil Nadu government has been urging the Centre repeatedly to issue an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu, the bull-taming festival held during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal in mid-January. More than 200 youth were taken into custody on Monday night after they held protests at Alanganallur village demanding lifting of the ban on Jallikattu. State fisheries minister D Jayakumar, along with his cabinet colleague K Pandiarajan held talks with representatives of the agitators early morning on Monday to defuse the agitation. The minister said 50 AIADMK Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will "exert required pressure on the Centre" to conduct Jallikattu in the state. "Not just that, this government will also take steps to meet the President to seek an ordinance," Jayakumar said. Responding to the protestors' demands for an assurance from chief minister O Panneerselvam for conducting Jallikattu, school education minister Pandiarajan said the government cannot give any oral assurance and indicated that the chief minister could issue a statement later in the day on the matter. Chandramohan, one of the representatives who held talks with the ministers on behalf of the protestors, insisted that the chief minister support the bull-taming sport. "The government should understand the sentiments of the people and exert pressure on the Centre. The ministers have assured us that they will find a solution," he said. Meanwhile, the protestors at Marina, who converged on Tuesday following an agitation at Alanganallur in Madurai, were unrelenting in their demand to conduct Jallikattu and sat through the night. The agitators claimed that more volunteers had either joined them or were on their way to join the protests. Some reports said over 3,000 people, mostly students had joined the protests demanding permission to host the bull-taming festival in Tamil Nadu. (PTI)

Pro-Jallikattu protests continue in Tamil Nadu, 200 agitators arrested

<p>Late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa&#39;s niece Deepa Jayakumar said on Tuesday that she would join the AIADMK, or float a new party, reported ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the media, Deepa Jayakumar said, &quot;I have two options&mdash; to join AIADMK or to float a new party. I will discuss with my supporters before making a decision.&quot;</p>

<p>She also said that she cannot accept anyone else in Jayalalithaa&#39;s erstwhile position.</p>

<p>Jayalalithaa was the erstwhile general secretary of the AIADMK, a position now occupied by Jayalalithaa&#39;s one-time aide and confidant Sasikala Natarajan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Sasikala&#39;s family is claiming that Jayalalithaa was working based on their ideas, this is false. There are many rumours being spread just to defame me, and people don&#39;t know the reality,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Deepa had hinted at her entry into politics, saying it cannot be stopped.</p>

<p>&quot;My entry into politics cannot be stopped,&quot; she told supporters who had gathered at her Thyagaraya Nagar residence.</p>

<p>Supporters had thronged her residence, urging her to enter politics and carry forward the work of her late aunt Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>Deepa is the daughter of Jayalalithaa&#39;s only brother late Jayakumar.</p>

<p>She caught the media&#39;s attention recently when she alleged that she was not allowed to meet Jayalalithaa while the late AIADMK supremo was hospitalised for 75 days before she passed away on December 5 last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


She also said she cannot accept anyone else in Jayalalithaa's erstwhile position

Late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar said on Tuesday that she would join the AIADMK, or float a new party, reported ANI. Speaking to the media, Deepa Jayakumar said, "I have two options— to join AIADMK or to float a new party. I will discuss with my supporters before making a decision." She also said that she cannot accept anyone else in Jayalalithaa's erstwhile position. Jayalalithaa was the erstwhile general secretary of the AIADMK, a position now occupied by Jayalalithaa's one-time aide and confidant Sasikala Natarajan. "Sasikala's family is claiming that Jayalalithaa was working based on their ideas, this is false. There are many rumours being spread just to defame me, and people don't know the reality," she added. Earlier this month, Deepa had hinted at her entry into politics, saying it cannot be stopped. "My entry into politics cannot be stopped," she told supporters who had gathered at her Thyagaraya Nagar residence. Supporters had thronged her residence, urging her to enter politics and carry forward the work of her late aunt Jayalalithaa. Deepa is the daughter of Jayalalithaa's only brother late Jayakumar. She caught the media's attention recently when she alleged that she was not allowed to meet Jayalalithaa while the late AIADMK supremo was hospitalised for 75 days before she passed away on December 5 last year. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Jayalalithaa's niece says she will join AIADMK, or float new party

<p>More than three weeks after the demise of former AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, the Madras High Court on Thursday raised questions over the death of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and asked why her body can&#39;t be exhumed.</p>

<p>&quot;Media has raised a lot of doubts, personally I also have doubts in Jayalalithaa&#39;s death,&quot; said Justice Vaidyanathan who was hearing a petition.</p>

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<h5>A PIL had been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a commission comprising retired Supreme Court judges to look into &#39;questionable incidents&#39; around Jayalalithaa&#39;s death</h5>
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<p>&quot;When she was admitted in hospital, it was said that she was on&nbsp;proper diet. At least after her death now, truth should be revealed,&quot; Vaidyanathan said.</p>

<p>The judge also went on to say that the court could order the exhumation and post-mortem of Jayalalithaa&rsquo;s body, reported The News Minute.</p>

<p>A PIL had been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a commission comprising retired Supreme Court judges to look into &ldquo;questionable incidents&rdquo;, including her sudden hospitalisation, reported recovery, and the cardiac arrest resulting in her death, around Jayalalithaa&#39;s death.</p>

<p>Petitioner PA Joseph, a city resident, listed the sequence of events since Jayalalithaa&rsquo;s admission to Apollo Hospital here on September 22 and claimed that the &ldquo;secrecy&rdquo; preceding her death gave rise to &ldquo;grave doubts&rdquo; in the minds of the people.</p>

<p>The public interest litigation, which listed 12 respondents, including the Apollo Hospitals chairman, is likely to be taken up for hearing by the vacation bench of the court on December 29.</p>

<p>The petitioner pleaded that the commission must peruse all the records, reports and documents that are in possession of the government as well as the hospital and look into &ldquo;several questionable incidents&rdquo;, including her sudden hospitalisation, reported recovery and the subsequent cardiac arrest resulting in her death on December 5.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


'Media has raised a lot of doubts, personally I also have doubts in Jayalalithaa's death,' said Justice Vaidyanathan

More than three weeks after the demise of former AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, the Madras High Court on Thursday raised questions over the death of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and asked why her body can't be exhumed. "Media has raised a lot of doubts, personally I also have doubts in Jayalalithaa's death," said Justice Vaidyanathan who was hearing a petition. A PIL had been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a commission comprising retired Supreme Court judges to look into 'questionable incidents' around Jayalalithaa's death × "When she was admitted in hospital, it was said that she was on proper diet. At least after her death now, truth should be revealed," Vaidyanathan said. The judge also went on to say that the court could order the exhumation and post-mortem of Jayalalithaa’s body, reported The News Minute. A PIL had been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a commission comprising retired Supreme Court judges to look into “questionable incidents”, including her sudden hospitalisation, reported recovery, and the cardiac arrest resulting in her death, around Jayalalithaa's death. Petitioner PA Joseph, a city resident, listed the sequence of events since Jayalalithaa’s admission to Apollo Hospital here on September 22 and claimed that the “secrecy” preceding her death gave rise to “grave doubts” in the minds of the people. The public interest litigation, which listed 12 respondents, including the Apollo Hospitals chairman, is likely to be taken up for hearing by the vacation bench of the court on December 29. The petitioner pleaded that the commission must peruse all the records, reports and documents that are in possession of the government as well as the hospital and look into “several questionable incidents”, including her sudden hospitalisation, reported recovery and the subsequent cardiac arrest resulting in her death on December 5. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Why can't her body be exhumed? Madras HC raises questions over Jayalalithaa's death

<p>The AIADMK, at its general body meeting&nbsp;Thursday, elected Sasikala Natarajan party general secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also adopted the resolution to work &quot;under the leadership of Sasikala Natarajan&quot;.</p>

<p>Sasikala used to be former party supremo and Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s aide and confidante.</p>

<p>She held no official position within the party. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The post of general secretary was formerly held by Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>ANI reported that 14 resolutions were passed at the general body meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They included a resolution demanding Jayalalithaa&#39;s birthday be celebrated as &quot;National Farmers&#39; Day&quot;, and the resolutions that she be conferred with the Magsaysay award and the Nobel peace prize.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The post was formerly held by ex-Tamil Nadu chief minister and party supremo Jayalalithaa

The AIADMK, at its general body meeting Thursday, elected Sasikala Natarajan party general secretary. It also adopted the resolution to work "under the leadership of Sasikala Natarajan". Sasikala used to be former party supremo and Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's aide and confidante. She held no official position within the party. The post of general secretary was formerly held by Jayalalithaa. ANI reported that 14 resolutions were passed at the general body meeting. They included a resolution demanding Jayalalithaa's birthday be celebrated as "National Farmers' Day", and the resolutions that she be conferred with the Magsaysay award and the Nobel peace prize. (WION)

AIADMK elects Sasikala as party general secretary

<p>More than 10,000 people were rescued and sheltered by the National Disaster Response Force in nearly 300 relief camps after the &quot;very severe&quot;&nbsp;cyclone Vardah, the most intense to have hit Tamil Nadu in two decades, made landfall.</p>

<p>The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated the cyclone over north Tamil Nadu moved further west, south-west during past six hours at a speed of 20 kmph and has weakened into a depression.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneVardah?src=hash">#CycloneVardah</a>&#39;s activity ovr north TN moved further west-southwestwards during past 6 hrs at speed of 20 kmph,weakened into depression-NDMA</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/808530255241543680">December 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone flattened homes, snapped communication lines and threw rail, road and air traffic into disarray as it crossed the coast near the Tamil Nadu capital&nbsp;and pounded Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram with rain.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QuickFacts?src=hash">#QuickFacts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyclonevardah?src=hash">#cyclonevardah</a><br />
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Human loss 10(4 in Chennai, 2 in Kancheepuram, 2 in Tiruvallur, 1 in Villupuram and 1 in Nagapattinam).</p>
&mdash; NDMA India (@ndmaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia/status/808388625591320576">December 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ten people died.&nbsp;The Tamil Nadu government announced a solatium of Rs 4 lakh each for their families.</p>

<p>Schools and colleges in Chennai, Kanchipuram &amp; Tiruvallur will remain closed Tuesday.</p>

<p>Flights resumed at Tirupati Airport after it was briefly shut down.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flight operations resume at Tirupati Airport after it was temporarily suspended due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneVardah?src=hash">#CycloneVardah</a> that hit TN &amp; AP yesterday</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/808529535964581888">December 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National Disaster Management Authority said that a total of 10,432 people were rescued by 19 NDRF teams in different parts of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>As many as 296 relief camps were set up of which 97 have become operational, the NDMA said in a statement.</p>

<p>Altogether 11,857 food packets were also distributed by the NDRF. As many as 297 roads were blocked in Tamil Nadu after the cyclone&#39;s landfall of which 89 have been cleared so far.</p>

<p>A total of 4,200 trees fell and 30 electric transformers were also damaged. The NDMA said the cyclone will slow down by midnight and weaken by Tuesday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Hut Damages-55.<br />
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No of tree fallen- 4200 and 1080 removed.<br />
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No of EB Poles fallen-3400.</p>
&mdash; NDMA India (@ndmaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia/status/808389012335579140">December 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it asked people in cyclone-hit areas to remain indoors and not to venture out besides remaining calm. One NDRF team comprises of 35 personnel.</p>

<p>The Southern Railway said the cyclone had caused a&nbsp;severe impact to its infrastructure and prompted cancellation, diversion and suspension of rail services.</p>

<p>&quot;The intensity of the cyclone has had a severe impact on the infrastructure of Chennai Division, resulting in considerable damage. Overhead electrical lines have been damaged at several locations,&quot; Anupam Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway said.</p>

<p>&quot;As a result of disruption of overhead electrical lines, 16 trains have been held up in Jolarpettai Chennai Central section and four trains in Villupuram Chennai Egmore section.</p>

<p>Several Chennai-bound trains have been regulated at various stations of Chennai division, he said.</p>

<p>Although all efforts were being made to restore normalcy as early as possible, full assessment for restoration work was possible only after the cyclone has finally ebbed away, he added.</p>

<p>Urgent steps were being taken to ensure movement of all Mail/Express trains which were held up mid-section. Passengers of all such trains were given maximum facilities so as to obviate the hardships to the extent possible, Sharma said.</p>

<p>Operations at Chennai airport were suspended for the entire night, with nearly 170 services being disrupted through the day even as 10 flights were cancelled.</p>

<p>A total of 44 international and 123 domestic services were affected as they were diverted to nearby airports like Bengaluru even as many stranded passengers were still waiting at domestic and international terminals. Steps were being taken to distribute food to them, they said. Departing flights to cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were cancelled.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, though no major loss of life or property has been reported from Andhra Pradesh so far, heavy rains lashed Chittoor and SPS Nellore district, affecting normal life. A report from Amravati said as many as 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who strayed into the Bay of Bengal yesterday despite warnings, were rescued from near the Sriharikota high altitude range in afternoon.</p>

<p>Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Monday that Andhra Pradesh was ready to extend all necessary help to neighbouring Tamil Nadu that bore the brunt of &#39;Vardah&#39;. With the&nbsp;forecast of heavy rains for the next 24 hours in Nellore, Chittoor, Prakasam and Anantapuramu districts, the official machinery has been asked to remain on alert, mostly to prevent breach of tanks. Over 9,400 people living along the Bay of Bengal were evacuated to relief camps amid heavy rain.</p>

<p>Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the situation in the two states and promised all help.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The storm flattened homes, snapped communication lines and threw rail, road and air traffic into disarray

More than 10,000 people were rescued and sheltered by the National Disaster Response Force in nearly 300 relief camps after the "very severe" cyclone Vardah, the most intense to have hit Tamil Nadu in two decades, made landfall. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated the cyclone over north Tamil Nadu moved further west, south-west during past six hours at a speed of 20 kmph and has weakened into a depression. #CycloneVardah's activity ovr north TN moved further west-southwestwards during past 6 hrs at speed of 20 kmph,weakened into depression-NDMA — ANI (@ANI_news) December 13, 2016 × The cyclone flattened homes, snapped communication lines and threw rail, road and air traffic into disarray as it crossed the coast near the Tamil Nadu capital and pounded Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram with rain. #QuickFacts #cyclonevardah Human loss 10(4 in Chennai, 2 in Kancheepuram, 2 in Tiruvallur, 1 in Villupuram and 1 in Nagapattinam). — NDMA India (@ndmaindia) December 12, 2016 × Ten people died. The Tamil Nadu government announced a solatium of Rs 4 lakh each for their families. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Kanchipuram & Tiruvallur will remain closed Tuesday. Flights resumed at Tirupati Airport after it was briefly shut down. Flight operations resume at Tirupati Airport after it was temporarily suspended due to #CycloneVardah that hit TN & AP yesterday — ANI (@ANI_news) December 13, 2016 × The National Disaster Management Authority said that a total of 10,432 people were rescued by 19 NDRF teams in different parts of Tamil Nadu. As many as 296 relief camps were set up of which 97 have become operational, the NDMA said in a statement. Altogether 11,857 food packets were also distributed by the NDRF. As many as 297 roads were blocked in Tamil Nadu after the cyclone's landfall of which 89 have been cleared so far. A total of 4,200 trees fell and 30 electric transformers were also damaged. The NDMA said the cyclone will slow down by midnight and weaken by Tuesday. #Cyclonevardah #Quick Facts Hut Damages-55. No of tree fallen- 4200 and 1080 removed. No of EB Poles fallen-3400. — NDMA India (@ndmaindia) December 12, 2016 × However, it asked people in cyclone-hit areas to remain indoors and not to venture out besides remaining calm. One NDRF team comprises of 35 personnel. The Southern Railway said the cyclone had caused a severe impact to its infrastructure and prompted cancellation, diversion and suspension of rail services. "The intensity of the cyclone has had a severe impact on the infrastructure of Chennai Division, resulting in considerable damage. Overhead electrical lines have been damaged at several locations," Anupam Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway said. "As a result of disruption of overhead electrical lines, 16 trains have been held up in Jolarpettai Chennai Central section and four trains in Villupuram Chennai Egmore section. Several Chennai-bound trains have been regulated at various stations of Chennai division, he said. Although all efforts were being made to restore normalcy as early as possible, full assessment for restoration work was possible only after the cyclone has finally ebbed away, he added. Urgent steps were being taken to ensure movement of all Mail/Express trains which were held up mid-section. Passengers of all such trains were given maximum facilities so as to obviate the hardships to the extent possible, Sharma said. Operations at Chennai airport were suspended for the entire night, with nearly 170 services being disrupted through the day even as 10 flights were cancelled. A total of 44 international and 123 domestic services were affected as they were diverted to nearby airports like Bengaluru even as many stranded passengers were still waiting at domestic and international terminals. Steps were being taken to distribute food to them, they said. Departing flights to cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were cancelled. Meanwhile, though no major loss of life or property has been reported from Andhra Pradesh so far, heavy rains lashed Chittoor and SPS Nellore district, affecting normal life. A report from Amravati said as many as 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who strayed into the Bay of Bengal yesterday despite warnings, were rescued from near the Sriharikota high altitude range in afternoon. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Monday that Andhra Pradesh was ready to extend all necessary help to neighbouring Tamil Nadu that bore the brunt of 'Vardah'. With the forecast of heavy rains for the next 24 hours in Nellore, Chittoor, Prakasam and Anantapuramu districts, the official machinery has been asked to remain on alert, mostly to prevent breach of tanks. Over 9,400 people living along the Bay of Bengal were evacuated to relief camps amid heavy rain. Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the situation in the two states and promised all help. (PTI)

Cyclone Vardah: Death toll rises to 10, more than 10,000 people rescued

<p>Tamil Nadu state&#39;s ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party claimed Wednesday that 77 people died of grief over the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;77 persons have died of grief and shock after having to come to know of honourable Amma&#39;s (Jayalalithaa) illness and death,&quot; the AIADMK said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">77 people died of grief, shock over illness and demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash">#Jayalalithaa</a>, AIADMK announces Rs 3 lakhs compensation for their families: AIADMK</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/806582737402404864">December 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>The party said compensation of Rs 3 lakh would be given to each to the families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be given to the party member who tried to burn himself, and to the party member who cut off his finger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The AIADMK released a list of all 77 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI however reported that a &quot;central intelligence estimate&quot; put the death toll at 30, plus four suicide attempts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


Tamil Nadu's ruling party said Rs 3 lakh will be paid as compensation to each of the families

Tamil Nadu state's ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party claimed Wednesday that 77 people died of grief over the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. "77 persons have died of grief and shock after having to come to know of honourable Amma's (Jayalalithaa) illness and death," the AIADMK said in a statement. 77 people died of grief, shock over illness and demise of #Jayalalithaa, AIADMK announces Rs 3 lakhs compensation for their families: AIADMK — ANI (@ANI_news) December 7, 2016 × The party said compensation of Rs 3 lakh would be given to each to the families. Compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be given to the party member who tried to burn himself, and to the party member who cut off his finger. The AIADMK released a list of all 77 people. The PTI however reported that a "central intelligence estimate" put the death toll at 30, plus four suicide attempts. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: AIADMK says 77 people died of grief over Jayalalithaa's death

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