News Tamil Nadu

Part-Time Politician Kamal Haasan Blames People For Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy, Buttresses DMK Govt

June 24, 2024
The Commune

Kamal Haasan,  a full-time actor, part-time politician, and leader of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), finds himself amidst criticism, ridicule, and trolling on various social media platforms. This is because his condemnation lacked the strength to highlight the DMK government’s failure in addressing the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which is not an isolated incident but the second occurrence.

On 20 June 2024, Kamal Haasan on his official X account wrote, “Tamil Nadu has been shocked by the news that 36 people have died, and many others are in critical condition after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish those undergoing treatment a speedy recovery. The government of Tamil Nadu should crack down on the bootlegger dealers with an iron fist so that such a tragedy does not happen again in Tamil Nadu. Rehabilitation centers should be set up immediately to help drug addicts get rid of it. Now is the time for each of us to get involved in the war against addiction.”

Later, as the death toll climbed to 58, Haasan was compelled to visit the area due to online criticism aimed at virtue-signaling celebrities from Kollywood and sympathizers of the DMK. Therefore, on 23 June 2024, Kamal Haasan visited the victims of the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, urging them to recognize the dangers of excessive drinking and advocating for the establishment of psychiatric centers to offer counseling.

Speaking to the reporters Kamal Haasan said, “These victims will have to understand they have exceeded their limit, and they have been careless. They have to be careful. They have to take care of their health. My request to the government would be to create psychiatric centres which will counsel them.”

“It has to be occasional drinking, social drinking if at all. But they must understand that exceeding limit in any form be it sugar, or anything is bad,” the part-time politician added.

This statement also didn’t go well, as the actor-turned-part-time politician, who was once a vocal critic of the DMK but recently switched alliances for a Rajya Sabha seat, faced scrutiny from both internet users and opposition parties.

BJP leader Amit Malviya on his official X account accused Haasan of shifting blame onto the victims instead of confronting the problem of illegal alcohol in Tamil Nadu. Malviya wrote, “Kamal Haasan is actually blaming the victims of Hooch tragedy instead of holding the MK Stalin Govt responsible for the illicit liquor, which is freely available in Tamil Nadu. One has to be depraved to make such an outrageous comment. But then what can one expect from INDI Alliance?”

A netizen wrote, “All these DMK lootlicking just for Rajasabha MP seat. Pathetic downfall of your career. Not a single word of “Stalin need to control this hooch sellings.”

Another netizen calling out the hypocrisy of Kamal Haasan wrote, “Kamal Hussain saar they have been drinking all their lives like u do But they died because the liquor was adulterated and had become a poison So u don’t blame victims for their death u blame the govt which doesn’t control illicit liquor Ur govt owns liquor industry and makes tens of thousands of crore by selling liquor Since Dstock bought u with RS seat u r blaming victim Would u have done the same if this has happened in bjp ruled state“

Another netizen ridiculed Kamal Haasan stating, “I think the only missing statement in this speech is “BJP and Modi are responsible for this”

Another netizen wrote, “If this would have been BJP ruled state, he would said same? Blame the Victim shield DMK What an intelligent Man Kamal Hassan”

Another netizen wrote, “Sorry @ikamalhaasan sir, but shame on you! Instead of holding the govt, illicit liquor sellers, and local authorities accountable for the deaths in the tragedy, you’re lecturing the victims about “exceeding their limit” and being “careless”? Are you trying shift the blame away from those who should be held responsible? These people died due to the negligence and corruption of the system, not because they “exceeded their limit” or were “careless”! Even 10 ml poison can kill a person. And your double standards are appalling! If this had happened in a BJP-ruled state, you would have lashed out at the govt and called the people innocent. But because it happened under your beloved DMK’s watch, you’re suddenly preaching about “occasional drinking” and “social drinking”?”

Another netizen stated, “Never condemned the government for its incapacity and inefficiency? Oh yeah Rajya Sabha seat is pending!”

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