Following the footsteps of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Tuesday said that the government will bring ordinance to lift the ban on the traditional annual buffalo race, Kambala, if necessary.
“We are in favour of Kambala. It is an old traditional game and it has to be continued. We will examine it that whether to bring an ordinance or not. If necessary, we will do it,” he told media.
Siddaramaiah had earlier too sought the Centre’s support for hosting Kambala.
Petitions filed by several organisers to the lift the ban on Kambala will be heard by Karnataka High Court on January 30.
Meanwhile, thousands of people from the state along with buffaloes will be launching a protest at Swaraj Maidan, Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district on January 28 for the revocation on ban.
Similar to Jallikattu, Kambala was banned in November 2016, after PETA cited animal cruelty in the traditional sport.
Meanwhile, Kannada actors ,Jaggesh, Rakshit Shetty, Ragini, N Prem, and Yash, have raised their voice against the ban on Kambala.
“If Kambala is banned, Deepavali and Holi too should be banned. Deepavali pollutes and many people lose their eyesight every year. Not only Kambala, but there are several sports, involving animals in north Karnataka. If we don’t stand for our traditions, everything will be erased. Banning Kambala is not the answer,” actor N Prem was quoted by Times of India as saying.
Kambala used to be held in coastal regions of Karnataka. It was especially popular in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The sport generally starts in November and lasts until March.
