Categories
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including state president K. Annamalai and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, were arrested on Monday ahead of a scheduled protest at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) headquarters in Chennai. The BJP had planned the demonstration against the state-run liquor shops, citing concerns over their impact on public health and law and order.
The party had announced its protest to demand the closure of Tasmac outlets, alleging that the widespread availability of liquor was leading to increased crime rates, family disputes, and societal issues. However, police detained several BJP leaders and cadres before they could reach the protest site, citing security concerns and law and order issues.
Speaking before his arrest, Annamalai criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, accusing it of prioritizing revenue generation through alcohol sales over public welfare. “The DMK government is promoting liquor consumption without considering its disastrous consequences on society. We will continue our fight until Tasmac outlets are shut down,” he said.
Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, also condemned the police action, stating that preventing a democratic protest was a violation of fundamental rights. “The people of Tamil Nadu have the right to voice their concerns against the harmful effects of alcohol.
The government’s attempts to suppress dissent will not succeed,” she said.Tamil Nadu
The arrests have sparked reactions from various political circles, with BJP supporters criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation. Social media has also seen a surge in debates over the role of Tasmac and the need for reforms in the liquor policy of Tamil Nadu.
As tensions rise, the BJP has vowed to continue its agitation against Tasmac and has called for widespread protests across the state in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has defended its liquor policy, stating that regulated alcohol sales help curb illegal liquor production and contribute to the state’s revenue.
The situation remains tense, with BJP leaders demanding the release of those detained and reiterating their commitment to their cause.
