MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who had undertaken a ‘Padayatra’ demanding total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, has said that the Government must stop selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor through the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to attain better development and industrialisation.
Addressing a gathering here late on Tuesday night, Vaiko said Tamil Nadu must follow the example of Gujarat and ban liquor sales. “Gujarat has flourished only because total prohibition is being observed there. Why can’t the other States including TN follow the same,” he asked. Claiming that he had received overwhelming support from the people during his 14-day ‘Padayatra’ between Tirunelveli and Madurai, he said women from 500 villages, which he covered during the 400 km trek, had complained about men squandering their hard earned income on liquor.
Vaiko added that total prohibition would reduce criminal activities in the country. “The country’s youth are getting addicted to liquor and are indulging in grave crimes such as rape and sexual harassment, which cannot be tolerated,” he said.
The MDMK leader condemned the authorities for focusing on earning maximum revenue by encouraging liquor sales instead of focusing on youth development.
Citing historical and religious examples he emphasised that none of the religions encouraged the drinking habit.
He would begin the second phase of his ‘Padayatra’ from February 18 starting from Kancheepuram and end it on February 28 at Maraimalai Nagar.
Subsequently on April 19, he would commence a tour from Pollachi to Erode. During the last week of June he would cover Villupuram to Cuddalore by foot.