Less than a week after demands for conducting the banned sport of Kambala arose against the backdrop of the jallikattu agitation in TN, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that the state is ready to promulgate an ordinance to allow the sport.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the CM said that Kambala (buffalo racing) and jallikattu could not be compared at all. Assuring that the matter will be considered in the state budget session scheduled to begin on February 6, Siddaramaiah added:
“It is a rural sport prevalent in the coast. The case is coming up for hearing and we are waiting for the court proceedings. I'm seeking the opinion of the law department. If necessary, we are ready to promulgate an ordinance.”
According to The Times of India, Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who is in Mangaluru to attend the Digi Dhan Mela of Niti Aayog to be held on Wednesday, promised the Centre’s support to the state government.
He said that the Centre would extend the same support it extended to the state of Tamil Nadu on jallikattu issue. However, he indicated that it was up to the state government to clear all obstacles for the conduct of Kambala.
“The Centre will respond if Karnataka takes these steps. The Centre respects folk traditions and is open to the decision of the state government on Kambala,” he said.
BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel appealed to the people to take part in the protest on January 28, demanding the sport to be held.
Even as several Kambala committees are gearing up for protests across the state, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) will hold an agitation in Bengaluru on Wednesday for retaining the sport.