Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today and urged him to promulgate an ordinance immediately to skirt the ban on the sport.

“The ban imposed on Jallikattu by the Supreme Court came up for discussion. While appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub-judice,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a series of tweets.

“The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the State government,” it added.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Panneerselvam said, “I have submitted a letter urging the Prime Minister to lift the ban on Jallikattu.”

“As Tamil Nadu received very low rainfall last year, 32 districts are witnessing drought. We have asked the Prime Minister for financial aid. The letter with the details was submitted to the Central Government three days back,” he added.

According to the Chief Minister, all the issues that came up for discussion were taken into consideration by the Prime Minister. “The Prime Minister holds great regard for the sentiments of Tamil people and would work on the issues,” the Chief Minister said.

The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned Jallikattu, saying that bulls cannot be used as performing animals including bullock-cart races. Since then, people have been urging the Central government to take steps to allow the sport.

In Tamil Nadu, the protests began on Tuesday morning following the arrest of protesters in Alanganallur well known for conducting the sport.

On Wednesday evening, making a fervent appeal to the students and youths to call off their agitation, Panneerselvam said he would be meeting Modi today to press for an immediate ordinance to enable holding Jallikattu, which could not be held for the last three years due to the Supreme Court ban.