The debate over the legalisation of dhirio (bullfights) in the ongoing Legislative Assembly on Thursday has ignited a complex mosaic of cultural pride, legal considerations, safety concerns, revenue generation and tourism prospects. In a rare show of unity, MLAs across party lines raised voices to legalise this age-old tradition, with questions about timing, safety, and the very essence of bullfights sharply coming into focus.
In a remarkable show of unanimity, legislators across party lines emphasised dhirio’s deep roots in Goa’s cultural fabric. Mandrem MGP MLA Jit Arolkar passionately highlighted that despite the ban, the sport persists in villages, woven into community festivals. He proposed legislative amendments to regulate and formalise dhirio, with designated venues and safety protocols. Various other legislators, including AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, Viresh Borkar of the Revolutionary Goans Party, Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, ruling MLAs Rudolf Fernandes and Anton Vaz, and Aleixo Lourenco, argued to consider the cultural significance of the dhirios and the need to revive and regulate the tradition.
Interestingly, MLAs made a case for bullfights citing Tamil Nadu’s favourite and traditional sport called Jallikattu (bull taming). The irony is that Jallikattu does not come under the purview of “cruelty to animals”, under which bullfights have been banned. The irony is, Jallikattu has witnessed more human tragedies. In January this year, seven people were killed at an event and around 700 others were injured. There have been past incidents where people have been gored to death as contestants try to control the bull.
The timing of Thursday's renewed push for dhirio revival raises questions, especially considering that bullfights have been banned since 1996 through a High Court ruling, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1997. The deep-rooted cultural affection for dhirio and similar traditions has largely remained outside the political spotlight for many years, making this sudden focus appear somewhat suspicious.
Lastly, although bullfights have been banned, they have been strategically and secretively organised, drawing crowds in thousands and making a mockery of law enforcement. A brief mention of this was made by St Cruz MLA Rudolph Fernandes. Recently, the South Goa district collector constituted dedicated quick-response teams to coordinate and act swiftly against bullfights. The areas of action were demarcated in an official circular. Unfortunately, nothing much has been achieved as bullfights have continued unabated.
We are in a worse-off situation when bullfights are allowed to continue informally, with no checks and controls. With enforcement failing, the risks are higher. While bullfights have been a traditional pastime on one side, the risks they carry cannot be ignored. The government’s apparent reluctance indicates a melange of various challenges — legal hurdles, framework, animal rights activists and the ideology of the BJP. Any moves to legalise dhirios will have to primarily reconcile legal constraints and prioritise safety. Without a wider debate, we may find the government locking horns with sections of society, especially animal rights activists and the BJP's hardline leaders, who may not be in sync with the idea. That being the case, the ball is now in the government's court, and it is to be seen whether Chief Minister Pramod Sawant takes it forward, or pushes it to the back burner.
