Centre Allows Jallikattu: Tradition Over Animal Cruelty?

The union government has lifted a ban on a popular but controversial bull running festival in Tamil Nadu, angering animal rights activists who say it is cruel and abusive. A government order said the event, held every January to mark the winter harvest in Tamil Nadu, would be allowed to go ahead this year after it was cancelled in 2015 by the Supreme Court. Every political party in the state has welcomed the move, but with assembly elections due later this year predictably angry animal rights activists are alleging the Centre's move is with an eye on the upcoming polls.