A pro-jallikattu outfit today protested against the appointment of Soundarya Rajinikanth as brand ambassador of Animal Welfare Board of India, saying AWBI was responsible for a ban against the bull taming sport.
The "Tamizhar Veera Vilayattu Meetpu Kazhagam" staged a protest in Tiruchirappalli, where pictures of Soundarya, daughter of Rajinikanth, were also burnt.
Soundarya's appointment as AWBI ambassador last week was "regrettable", chief convener of the outfit, T Rajesh said.
"It is condemnable that she has joined AWBI, which was responsible for the ban against jallikattu," he said.
He said that Soundarya's father and actor Rajinikanth had gained immense popularity among Tamil people by acting in a famous bull taming scene in the super hit movie "Murattu Kaalai".
"Therefore, Rajinikanth should intervene in this matter and ask Soundarya to quit as AWBI ambassador," he said.
Rajesh also warned of intensifying protests against the "Kochadayaan" director if she did not step down.
Meanwhile, Soundarya's office issued a clarification in Chennai, saying her job as AWBI ambassador include ensuring safety of animals used in films.
"She will ensure the safety of animals used in the films. She will also monitor the use of graphics in the film and will say whether the makers have used graphics or shot with real life animals," her office said in a release.
This was completely apt for her because she has in-depth knowledge in animation after directing her father in the animation film.
Soundarya became a member of AWBI recently, besides being appointed as its Ambassador to the film fraternity.
Chennai-headquartered Animal Welfare of Board of India is a statutory advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
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