Will shut TASMAC if voted to power: Annamalai

In a bold declaration, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president K. Annamalai asserted on Friday that if the BJP secures victory in the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, Tasmac outlets will be shut down within a span of three years. The announcement came as part of Mr. Annamalai’s leadership during the “En Mann En Makkal” yatra, which covered Salem South, Salem North, and Salem West Assembly constituencies. Addressing the media, Annamalai highlighted the financial challenges faced by the state under the current DMK government. He expressed concern over the substantial borrowing of ₹2.69 lakh crore in just 31 months, projecting that if this trend persists, Tamil Nadu’s total debt could skyrocket to ₹10 lakh crore. Critiquing the DMK’s governance, Annamalai emphasized the party’s inability to improve the state’s financial position, claiming that the DMK government has consistently lamented the dire economic situation since day one. He pointed out the recent move by the government to provide a Pongal gift hamper along with ₹1,000, characterizing it as a theatrical gesture given the previous demand for ₹5,000 during their time in opposition. The BJP leader questioned the DMK’s fiscal strategy, stating, “When the DMK was in the opposition, they urged to give ₹5,000 for the Pongal festival, but now, pointing out financial position, they are giving ₹1,000.”