Decision to watch match wrests with individuals, asserts Jayakumar

“Whether to see or boycott the IPL is the decision left to the individual’s choice,” he said. “The conduct of the IPL is permitted under law and they have all the pre-requisites to hold the event. In a democracy, they will have to be provided permission to hold the event. Only the Cricket Board which organises the match can take a call on going ahead with the match as per the schedule,” he added. 

When pointed out that the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa had taken objections to Sri Lankan players involved in the game here and that she recalled Kabadi players from participating in games in Sri Lanka in the backdrop of Eelam struggle, the Minister maintained that the state had already reflected its thoughts about having the game. 

“If they want, they can call it off. If not, we would provide the necessary security as per the procedures,” he noted. 

On threats issued by Thamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan to protest during the game, the Minister said that there is no place for violence in a democracy and that it would be in a bad taste. 

Responding to actor Rajinikanth’s demand to the Chennai team to wear black badges to the IPL match, the Minister said that it is the recipient of the advice who has to respond to the request not the government. 

He also took swipes at Rajinikanth for the actor’s negative remarks on the state’s development. “Tamils always deliberate issues and cannot be hoodwinked by false claims by people like Rajinikanth,” he said. 

On cine director Bharathiraja raising the appointment of Premeela Gurumurthy as vice chancellor to Music and Fine Arts University, the Minister said her nativity is Tamil since her father is from this state. He shot back at Bharathiraja and pointed out that outsiders are heading the South Indian Artistes Association and as well as the Producers Council.