On Friday, AIADMK MLA U Thaniyarasu while speaking at the State Assembly urged the government to make liquor easily accessible. He had proposed the idea to set up mobile liquor sales for people in the remote areas of the state.
“The government is selling [liquor] and people have decided to drink. So why put them through hardship for getting liquor? I urge the government to ensure easy sale of liquor either by opening more shops or selling liquor through mobile shops,” said Mr Thaniyarasu surprising the members of the Assembly.
According to him, people need to stand in long queues to buy liquor from the state-run TASMAC shops. He compared this situation with that of standing long queues to buy tickets for a new movie. He said the after a long day of work, people have to struggle so much to buy just one bottle of liquor.
He had also claimed that many lose their lives while returning from a TASMAC shop in their vehicles. In order to avoid all of this unnecessary struggle, the MLA proposed selling liquor in vehicles.
U Thaniyarasu represents the Kangeyam constituency. He is a member of Kongu Ilaignar Peravai an ally of the ruling AIADMK party.
The MLAs statements come at a time when the ruling AIADMK party has promised in its election manifesto that there would be a total prohibition of liquor sales. The TASMAC shops were promised to be closed in a phased manner each year. Earlier in April, while hearing a PIL, the HC had asked the state government to reveal its stand on TASMAC.
A few days ago, several residents of Peraiyur demanded closure of TASMAC shops in their neighbourhood. The husband of an accident victim had also recently asked for a permanent shutdown.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, an independent candidate from Tamil Nadu had promised 10 litres of free liquor every month if he wins the elections.
