Tamil Nadu: VCK Hosts Anti-Liquor Conference, Advocates Nationwide Ban, Rehab Centres, And Closure Of Liquor Shops

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) held a conference on Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) to call for alcohol prohibition. 

The conference was held in Kallkurichi district, Tamil Nadu, where over 60 people died in a hooch tragedy in August. 

The event had garnered significant attention as the VCK’s invitation to the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) set off speculations of a potential political realignment in the state, i.e., whether the VCK would join hands with the AIADMK.

However, In an ironic twist, the conference aimed at advocating for alcohol prohibition reportedly had some attendees who were drunk. They caused a ruckus by climbing cutouts, entering areas marked for women and the press. Some of them reportedly misbehaved with the police. 

Thol Thirumavalavan, the VCK chief, had to repeatedly appeal for calm.

Among the demands raised by the party are making prohibition a national level policy relying on Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, (which is related to prohibiting the the consumption of intoxicating drinks), shutting down of liquor shops, funds for states that implement alcohol prohibition, and the establishment of rehabilitation centres at the taluka level.

Also Read: Dalit Party VCK At A Crossroads: Can Chief Thirumavalavan Chart A New Course Away From DMK Alliance?