Members of the BJP led a protest close to the Luz Corner in Mylapore on Monday morning, demanding that the State Government take steps to close two liquor shops operating in the Pallakkumanagar Slum Clearance Board Colony. BJP state secretary Vanathi Srinivasan led her party cadre and local residents in a ‘wailing protest’ (oppari poraattam) demanding the closure of the shops.
“There was a TASMAC shop on the main street leading to Pallakkumanagar. Around two weeks ago, another shop was opened close by. This is creating problems for women and students who pass through the street. So, we have petitioned the government to shut down the shops at these locations,” said Vanathi Srinivasan.
Locals say the shop is a also a nuisance to those who use the Thirumailai MRTS railway station, which is located nearby. They say there had been no response to their repeated requests and petitions submitted to government officials to shut the first shop. To make matters worse, another outlet has been opened close to the existing one.
“It is extremely inconvenient for us. Now the stretch we have to cross, bearing the stench and the insulting comments and the misbehaviour is even bigger. It is of particular inconvenience after subset as the street is lined with drunks,” said a local resident, who took part in the protest.
Vanathi told City Express that her party had taken up the issue, and had presented petitions to the government to shut down or relocate the shops. “We conducted a signature campaign and have collected over 650 signatures. We have presented that to officials along with our petition on behalf of the party. Depending on how they react, we will decide future course of action,” she said.
