As Kambala beku gains momentum in Karnataka, Congress, BJP join in

The traditional buffalo racing sport of coastal Karnataka was banned in view of the SC verdict on jallikattu.
As Kambala beku gains momentum in Karnataka, Congress, BJP join in
As Kambala beku gains momentum in Karnataka, Congress, BJP join in
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As demand for the conduct of Kambala (buffalo racing) has gained momentum in Karnataka in the wake of its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu passing an ordinance to conduct jallikattu, the state government and BJP have decided to join in the chorus.

Saying that the state government was in favour of the sport held in the coastal areas of the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought the support of the centre in the matter. 

"The way the Central Govt has been in favour of jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, we want them to be in favour of Kambala here too," the CM said, while addressing media persons at Vidhana Soudha. 

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Monday morning, BJP’s Karnataka state president, BS Yeddyurappa, said that the court must allow the conduct of the traditional buffalo race. 

Several groups in Karnataka are now demanding that the ban on Kambala (buffalo racing), imposed by the High Court in November last year, be lifted.

Kambala, like jallikattu, was banned after the animal rights group PETA approached the court, citing animal cruelty in sports like bull taming and buffalo racing. In view of the SC verdict on jallikattu, the Karnataka High Court had stayed the conduct of the festival that is held in coastal Karnataka.

With the petition filed by various Kambala organisers asking that the HC stay be vacated due to be considered on January 30, Yeddyurappa expressed confidence that the apex court will consider the development on jallikattu, while hearing the case. 

"With the case now coming up for hearing on January 30, I am certain that the court will take a holistic view in light of developments that have taken place with regard to jallikattu," he was quoted as saying. 

With union minister for law and justice and information technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, scheduled to visit the state in the coming days, Yeddyurappa said that the party will demand that laws be suitably amended to accommodate the sport. 

In a meeting of several Kambala organising committees on Sunday, the organisers decided to hold Kambala on January 28 in Mangaluru, which will be in defiance of the HC order. 
 
"We have decided to conduct Kambala races on January 28 before the matter comes up for hearing in the court," Ashok Rai, President of Kambala Committee told PTI

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