VILLUPURAM: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, who met victims of spurious liquor admitted at the government medical college and hospital at Mundiyambakkam on Tuesday, criticised Edappadi Palaniswamy for not raising his voice in favour of prohibition.
“Has the opposition leader ever protested against liquor? If he fights for prohibition, we will support him,” Thirumavalavan told reporters. Prohibition is the only way to prevent such tragedies in the future, the VCK leader said. “It is shocking that nearly 20 people have died by consuming spurious liquor and that it is being sold extensively despite Tasmac outlets being operated by the government. It is learnt that the liquor was distributed at the houses of the villagers in Ekiyarkuppam.
“Even if the compensation is comforting in a way, a permanent solution to this problem need to be formulated. As far as VCK is concerned, we have been insisting that complete prohibition of alcohol should be implemented.
The sale of spurious liquor cannot be stopped unless the government strictly implements the prohibition policy. It is also not appropriate for the government to allow the liquor business by Tasmac,” Thirumavalavan said. He urged the state government to bring about policies to treat people with drinking habits, with counselling and psychiatric care.