AIADMK promises ₹10 lakh relief, insurance for Jallikattu tamers if party wins

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday announced that the party will provide ₹10 lakh ex gratia relief to bull tamers who lose their lives during Jallikattu, the traditional Tamil Nadu sport, if AIADMK forms the next state government. The announcement also included state-funded insurance coverage for both registered tamers and bulls participating in the event.

Speaking at the inauguration of a Jallikattu event in Salapalayam , Palaniswami emphasized the cultural significance of the sport and administered a pledge to tamers not to harm the bulls during competition. “Jallikattu is a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s heritage. The AIADMK will ensure financial relief for tamers who die in the arena and provide insurance for both tamers and bulls once we form the government this year,” he said.

Currently, there is no uniform relief or insurance mandated by the state for Jallikattu participants. While organisers often arrange private insurance or bank guarantees, coverage is limited and inconsistent, leaving many tamers vulnerable to financial and medical risks in case of injury or death.

Tamers and event organisers welcomed the announcement but called for clarity on implementation . R. K. Prabhu, secretary of a prominent Jallikattu committee, said, “Private insurance is difficult to secure due to high risk and premiums. Government involvement would ensure proper coverage and reduce the financial burden on organisers.” Mudakathan Mani, a trainer of Jallikattu players, added that adequate on-site medical facilities should accompany any insurance scheme to truly protect participants.

Jallikattu is a high-risk sport. Reports over recent years indicate more than 100 deaths and numerous injuries among both tamers and spectators since 2017. In the past season alone, over 130 people were injured during events across the state. Fatalities have included tamers as well as spectators struck by bulls, underscoring the need for robust safety measures.

Palaniswami did not provide specific details on the funding source but indicated that the scheme would be financed through state welfare allocations and implemented via the relevant government departments if AIADMK returned to power. The relief and insurance program is expected to be rolled out ahead of the next Jallikattu season , contingent on the party forming the government.

The announcement follows similar welfare measures by the current government, which recently offered government jobs to top-performing tamers at Alanganallur during the Pongal festival. Political analysts note that welfare initiatives related to Jallikattu have become a key point of competition in the run-up to the 2026 state elections, highlighting the cultural and electoral significance of the sport in Tamil Nadu.