Tamil Nadu’s political landscape witnessed another showdown today as BJP leaders, including K. Annamalai and Tamilisai Soundararajan, were arrested by police outside the Tasmac headquarters in Chennai. The BJP was protesting against the state’s liquor distribution system, particularly targeting the government’s monopoly over alcohol sales through Tasmac outlets.
The protest was organized by the BJP as part of its ongoing campaign to close down Tasmac outlets, which the party claims contribute to rising social issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, and financial distress for families. BJP leaders have long argued that the state’s reliance on liquor sales is not only detrimental to public health but also unethical, given the toll alcohol addiction takes on society.
Annamalai and Soundararajan were seen addressing the crowd before their detention, with Annamalai calling for a complete overhaul of the state’s liquor policies. He argued that the government should focus on creating sustainable revenue sources that do not harm the public. Tamilisai Soundararajan echoed these sentiments, calling for a shift toward policies that promote family welfare and public health.
Police quickly intervened as the protest grew in size, detaining the leaders for obstructing public order and disrupting traffic in the area. The BJP, however, claimed that their protest was peaceful and aimed at highlighting a growing crisis in Tamil Nadu.
This incident marks yet another point of contention in the ongoing political battle between the BJP and the DMK, with both parties accusing each other of failing to prioritize the welfare of the people.
