CHENNAI: The principal opposition DMK is holding a rail blockade agitation today (Friday) to press the Centre to promulgate an ordinance immediately to restore Jallikattu even as the protests by youngsters are raging across the state.
Party working president MK Stalin, in a statement here on Thursday, said, "Rail blockade will be held across the state on January 20 to press the Centre to promulgate an ordinance for Jallikattu and to condemn the attitude of the Centre in crushing the rights of Tamil Nadu."
He said the Centre's response to the raging issue was disappointing. Earlier in the day, Stalin, who is also Leader of Opposition, demanded the State government to convene an all-party meeting and a special sitting of the Assembly immediately to discuss the issue in the wake of Prime Minister washing off his hand on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's plea for an ordinance.
PWA supports shut down
The three-party combine-People's Welfare Alliance (PWA)- on Thursday extended support for the shutdown called by traders' organisations and the strike by trade unions to be observed on Friday.
Leaders of PWA, G Ramakrishnan (CPM), R Mutharasan (CPI) and Thol. Thirumavalavan (VCK), announced the decision to support the protests after a meeting held at the CPM office here.
Congress defers stir
Meanwhile, the Congress has deferred its rally and picketing of RBI regional office to protest demonetisation scheduled for Friday in view of the prevailing situation in the city, a party leader said.