In a recent development, a petition has been presented to the Madurai Collector, advocating for the christening of the newly constructed Jallikattu ground at Keelakarai near Alanganallur in Madurai district. The demand is to name the arena after the esteemed Tamil king Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan.
Despite the potential cultural homage, the proposal has stirred a political storm, drawing opposition from factions such as the AIADMK and the BJP. Their primary concern revolves around the substantial investment, totaling Rs 41 crore, made by the Tamil Nadu government in erecting the massive Jallikattu ground at Keelakarai near Alanganallur.
Opponents fear that the introduction of the new stadium could overshadow the traditional Alanganallur, putting the iconic vadivasal at risk. Another point of contention emerges over the reluctance to name the Jallikattu venue after the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi.
A coalition of 23 Tamil organizations has stepped into the discourse, submitting a memorandum to the Madurai Collector. Their stance is clear – naming the Jallikattu ground after politicians is deemed inappropriate. Instead, they propose honoring the traditional sport of Tamils, a symbol of valor, by naming it after Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan.
Amid the naming controversy, a cloud of discontent looms over the compensation process for the acquisition of agricultural land and plots needed for the construction. Villagers, promised payment within a month, remain unpaid, casting a shadow on the final phases of the Rs 22 crore road project leading to the Jallikattu ground.
With Chief Minister M K Stalin expected to inaugurate the stadium on Jan 23, villagers anxiously await resolution and compensation, amplifying the urgency surrounding this ongoing issue.
As the buzz around the new Jallikattu ground intensifies, preparations for the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition are in full swing. The muhurthakal for the event was recently initiated at the customary vadisasal, showcasing the continued cultural significance of this age-old tradition.
As the narrative unfolds, the decision on the nomenclature of the Jallikattu ground remains a focal point, reflecting the delicate balance between preserving tradition, honoring history, and navigating contemporary political sensitivities.