Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Ramadoss demands total prohibition from Pongal

CHENNAI: PMK leader S. Ramadoss on Saturday demanded total prohibition in the State from Pongal festival. “More and more people become drunkards because liquor is flowing freely thanks to shops run by the TASMAC. The only way to prevent people from becoming addicts is to close down the shops,” Dr. Ramadoss told a meeting here.

Dr. Ramadoss said though the PMK had many schemes to eradicate illicit liquor trade, there were no takers. “Neither the government nor the officials show any interest in listening to us.”

The PMK leader also objected to the idea of toddy tapping and said this would also spoil the youth. Instead, the government could promote palm juice. “It is a health drink. It will generate revenue of Rs.1000 crore per year and provide employment to 200 youths in every district,” he said.

The meeting also adopted a resolution warning that State-wide protests would be organised if the government failed to implement prohibition. Archbishop of Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore Rev. A.M. Chinnappa, Bishop Ezra Sargunam, heads of Madurai and Perur Adheenams, Nadar Peravai leader N.R. Dhanapalan and Yadava Mahasabha leader M. Gopalakrishnan attended.

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