Karnataka: It is hard to avoid a discussion on Kambala, after witnessing the protests (and the scale of which surprised everybody) that happened in Tamil Nadu. After a successful stir on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, protests to lift the ban on Kambala has gained momentum in Karnataka, but not enough to shake the system. Protests are taking place on the streets, in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, in Mangaluru; where film stars, politicians and students, are all voicing their resentment against the ban. “ This protest lacks fizz.

Yes,leading stars like Shivraj Kumar and Yash are speaking out in favour of Kambala, few politicians are vocal about their support. Karnataka Law Minister, TB Jayachandra, has announced that a bill will be moved in the Assembly session to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, to legalise Kambala,” says Vikram Joshi, a member of ‘I support Kambala group’.

A traditional sport in which water buffaloes are made to race down a track filled with mud and water was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court after complaints of cruelty by animal welfare group. “It is a thousand year-old culture.

Kambala is different from Jallikattu, it doesn’t inflict any cruelty on the animals and the humans involved. It has not registered a single death. PETA has no understanding of our culture. This is misplaced activism.

But our fight for it is not as aggressive,” says Deepika Bhargava, from Dakshina Kannada. But differing from the tide, Shwetha M.J, native of north Karnataka says, “Not all animals are performing animals. And many Bangaloreans are not in favour of any sport that stresses animals. And for some of us, we have heard of Kambala for the first time. No working member has the time to protest on this non-issue.” No wonder Pranav Chigu of TROLL HIMSE group in facebook is disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm. “There is no unity amongst Kannadigas.”

A tweet on the same nails it: TN has no BJP MPs and yet #jallikattu is passed & Kar has 17 #BJP MPs, but why silent on #Kambala ?