Bullock cart races to begin after President nod to state Acts: Punjab CM

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said bullock cart races in rural sports events would commence as soon as the President gave nod to the legislations passed by the state Assembly earlier this month.

The Assembly had passed the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules. The President’s nod is mandatory as the bullock-cart racing in all rural sport events was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court.

The Chief Minister made the announcement during a public event at Mehma Singh Wala. “After having received the Governor’s nod, we have sent the Acts to the President of India for her consideration and approval,” said Mann.

Acknowledging close association of bullocks, horses, dogs and birds with farmers, Mann argued Punjab residents in general and villagers in particular could never think of leaving their domestic animals at the mercy of the elements after their utility runs out.

“Now, when our agriculture is dependent on bullocks and horses are no longer used in wars, animal sports is the only source through which our earlier association with them can be repaid,” argued Mann. The bullock cart races had started in 1933. The late Bakhshish Singh Grewal, popularly known as Baba Bakhshi, had launched bullock cart races at Kila Raipur in 1933.