Life often comes full circle. Seven years ago, the AIADMK government ran a TASMAC liquor shop in Rayagiri, only to close it after intense protests from the DMK. Now, under the DMK-led government, that very same liquor shop has been reopened, prompting protests from the AIADMK.
The state government has been urged to close the TASMAC liquor outlet that was reopened in Rayagiri on 20 November 2024, after being shut for seven years. The reopening has sparked concerns as the outlet had previously caused law and order problems in the area and had a negative impact on local residents, particularly the youth.
The shop was originally closed during the AIADMK government’s tenure following protests led by DMK-affiliated parties. Now, with the DMK in power, the reopening of the shop has led to renewed protests.
On 23 November 2024, CPI leaders, led by district secretary T. Esakki Durai, staged a protest demanding the closure of the shop. A day earlier, AIADMK leaders, including town secretary Deva Pandi, also organized a demonstration in opposition. Additionally, MDMK deputy general secretary T.M. Rajendran petitioned Revenue Minister KKSSR Rajendran, who also oversees Tenkasi district, urging the shop’s closure.
According to Surai, the shop had previously led to law and order issues and caste tensions in Rayagiri. He emphasized that after the shop was shut down following protests, the town—primarily dependent on agriculture—had seen improved social harmony. “Now, without any prior notice, the government has reopened the shop, and it has caused distress among the residents, who are concerned about the potential consequences,” he added.
Durai also reminded the public that during his election campaign, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had promised to reduce the number of TASMAC outlets across the state. “It is disappointing to see a shop that was closed after significant protests being reopened,” he said.
In response to the protests, political representatives also petitioned District Collector A.K. Kamal Kishore. Kishore explained that the decision to reopen the shop was based on reports of illegal liquor sales in the Rayagiri area, which had the potential to lead to serious issues. He clarified that the shop had been relocated to a new location, away from the previous site near a church, where residents had strongly opposed its presence.
(With inputs from TNIE)
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