A new controversy has emerged surrounding the Tamil Nadu government’s “Drug free anti-alcoholism and anti-addiction campaign, with allegations of excessive public spending on media advertisements. According to an RTI (Right to Information) request filed by advocate ML Ravi, the government has allegedly funneled crores of rupees into media outlets sympathetic to the Dravidian ideology, including news channels closely associated with the DMK.
In October 2024, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin relaunched the state’s anti-drug initiative, reaffirming his commitment to eradicating narcotics from Tamil Nadu. In a video released by the government, Stalin appealed to the youth and student communities, urging them to avoid the lure of drugs. “As a member of your family and as your father, I implore you not to choose the path of drugs. Let us eradicate drugs and let our lives shine,” he stated. A similar campaign was also launched in August 2024 when the media spotlighted drug abuse and its associated issues.
However, the RTI request by advocate ML Ravi revealed shocking figures regarding the amounts spent on advertising the government’s anti-addiction schemes. The expenses were distributed among various news channels and media outlets, with significant sums directed towards those linked to the Dravidian movement. The details of the spending, which cover the period from October 2024 to January 2025, are as follows:
- Polimer News: ₹81,01,703
- Sun News: ₹39,13,393
- Kalaignar Seithigal: ₹53,46,830
- Puthiyathalaimurai: ₹47,11,033
- News 7: ₹59,81,425
- News 18: ₹35,06,086
- Thanthi TV: ₹40,50,851
- News Tamil 24×7: ₹38,42,581
- FM Channel Radio Mirchi: ₹13,12,227
Total Disbursed So Far: ₹1,40,60,25* (*Disputed Number – As RTI record was not clear)
Amount Yet to Be Disbursed: ₹2.67 crore
சமீபத்தில் ஒரு கூட்டத்தில் வழக்கறிஞர் எம்எல் ரவி அவர்களை சந்தித்தேன் . போதைப் பொருள் உபயோகத்திற்கு எதிரான திமுக அரசின் விளம்பர செலவு குறித்த RTI ஒன்றை செய்து பதில் வந்திருப்பதாக தெரிவித்தார்.
அதில் முதலமைச்சரின் போதை இல்லா தமிழக விளம்பரத்திற்கு , வெறும் "ஒன்றரை மாதங்களில்"… pic.twitter.com/XAP2oz4fab
— Shalin Maria Lawrence (@TheBluePen25) April 16, 2025
What raised eyebrows, however, was the substantial sum directed towards channels affiliated with the DMK, such as Sun News (₹39,13,393) and Kalaignar Seithigal (₹53,46,830). Critics argue that these figures highlight an attempt to funnel public money into media outlets closely tied to the ruling party, fueling accusations of favoritism and cronyism.
Netizens were quick to raise concerns about the Tamil Nadu government’s approach. On one hand, the government is spending around crores on private television and radio advertisements for a drug-free Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, TASMAC liquor shops remain open, continuing to operate as usual. Critics argue that it seems contradictory to spend such large amounts on anti-drug campaigns while profiting from alcohol sales. Given this, many questioned how much this would cost annually and whether this approach is truly fair.
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