A government function held in Kumbakonam as part of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations sparked controversy on Tuesday after a cooperative society officer allegedly appeared on stage in a drunken state. The event was presided over by Tamil Nadu Minister for Cooperation Govi Chezhian and attended by Kumbakonam MLA Anbalagan.
According to eyewitness accounts, the officer, identified as Selvarajan, staggered onto the stage while MLA Anbalagan was delivering his speech. Video clips circulating online show the officer appearing unstable and struggling to maintain balance. DMK members and other staff rushed to assist him, guiding him off the stage and taking him into a separate room. The incident caused visible commotion at the venue and has since drawn sharp public attention.
Political Reaction
The episode triggered criticism from opposition parties, who blamed the DMK government’s liquor policies for the incident. Reacting to the video, BJP Youth Wing President SG Suryah questioned the state’s administrative discipline and alleged that rising TASMAC revenue had encouraged widespread alcohol dependence.
In a post on X, he wrote, “At a government function in Thanjavur, attended by Minister Mr. Govichezhian, a cooperative society officer was seen staggering in a drunken state. Where is the administration of Tamil Nadu headed? When the DMK government came to power, TASMAC (state-run liquor) revenue was ₹30,000 crore. Today, it has crossed ₹50,000 crore. As if this isn’t enough, now they hold ‘Review Meetings’ to set targets for increasing sales even further. Liquor shops have been opened everywhere, and if you turn the people and officials into drunkards, this is what happens. Today, at a government event, an official was staggering drunk. If this continues, tomorrow people might even enter temples drunk. To make money, the DMK government is ready to compromise anything. It’s a disgrace.”
தஞ்சாவூரில் அமைச்சர் திரு. @Govichezhian பங்கேற்ற அரசு விழாவிலேயே, கூட்டுறவு சங்க அதிகாரி ஒருவர் மது போதையில் தள்ளாடுகிறார் என்றால், தமிழ்நாட்டின் நிர்வாகம் எங்கே சென்று கொண்டிருக்கிறது?
தி.மு.க ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தபோது ₹30,000 கோடியாக இருந்த டாஸ்மாக் வருமானம், இன்று ₹50,000… pic.twitter.com/J5hOkYCerS
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) November 19, 2025
There has been no official response so far from the Cooperation Department or the DMK leadership regarding the officer’s conduct or whether disciplinary action will be taken.
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