In a recent statement, ANS Prasad, the spokesperson for the Tamil Nadu BJP, voiced serious concerns over the state government’s initiative to increase TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) sales during the Diwali festival. He criticized the administration for prioritizing alcohol sales over the welfare of impoverished families and urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to take immediate action to stop this initiative.

Prasad condemned the state government for setting sales targets for TASMAC outlets, calling it “shameful” and harmful to numerous families struggling during the festive period. He proposed that the Chief Minister declare a three-day holiday for TASMAC stores on 30, 31 October and 1 November 2024 to ease the burden on economically disadvantaged individuals during Diwali celebrations.

He denounced the government’s focus on boosting alcohol sales, arguing that it would only exacerbate the hardships faced by many low-income families. “This is not a success; it’s a distressing outcome that will hinder many from celebrating Diwali,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the government to acknowledge the detrimental effects of such policies on society.

Prasad also pointed out the Tamil Nadu government’s contradictory approach to alcohol regulation. The current push to increase sales contradicts those promises despite Chief Minister Stalin’s commitments to enforce prohibition and reduce TASMAC outlets. He labelled these actions a significant betrayal of public trust.

Additionally, Prasad warned against fostering a culture of alcohol consumption, suggesting that the government’s actions could lead Tamil Nadu toward increased substance abuse and related social problems. He called for stricter measures to combat illegal liquor sales and to ensure that legitimate TASMAC stores do not exploit vulnerable communities during the festive season.

Anti-people and anti-social forces are thriving in Tamil Nadu now that TASMAC is under the control of DMK Minister Senthil Balaji, who has a reputation for corruption. This situation is dangerous, as Tamil Nadu risks becoming a liquor empire where the “bar” culture and rowdyism prevail.

TASMAC should be phased out, and illegal liquor sales must be strictly controlled. The government must ban illegal 24-hour bars and act strongly against their operators. Minister Senthil Balaji’s decision to push for record alcohol sales during Diwali is reprehensible. There is a growing sentiment that the enforcement department should intervene to protect the people.

Under no circumstances should drug culture be promoted in Tamil Nadu. The TASMAC order will distress countless poor families, particularly during the Diwali season when they are already stretched thin buying essentials for their children and families. The government’s plans resemble the actions of a tyrannical regime.

The Tamil Nadu government should not make the mothers weep because of the Diwali liquor sales target. Chief Minister Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin must intervene and ensure that TASMAC declares a holiday for liquor shops during the festival.

He also questioned whether Thirumavalavan would condemn the Tamil Nadu government. The conference started as a pro-abstinence conference but ended as an anti-BJP gathering.

Is the government unconcerned about promoting liquor sales during the Diwali Hindu festival? The people of Tamil Nadu should recognize that while the government provides a small sum as a women’s rights benefit, it simultaneously takes much more from them through TASMAC. It is crucial for the people to realize that the government is becoming increasingly anti-people and to support those advocating for their rights.

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