The tragic deaths of over 30 people in Kallakurichi due to the consumption of illicit liquor have sparked widespread outrage, with Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi and several opposition leaders condemning the state government’s handling of the situation.Governor Ravi expressed his deep concern over the recurring loss of lives due to illicit liquor consumption. In a message posted on social media platform X, Ravi highlighted the ongoing issue, stating, “Every now and then, tragic loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquor is reported from various parts of our state. This reflects continuing lapses in preventing production and consumption of illicit liquor. This is a matter of serious concern.” He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalized.
Opposition leaders were quick to criticize the DMK government. Former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed his distress over the deaths and condemned the government for its failure to eradicate illicit liquor. “I have been continuously pointing out that illicit liquor is rampant in this DMK regime, and I strongly condemn the government for not taking any action to eradicate illicit liquor even after many lives have been lost due to it,” Palaniswami said. He urged the Chief Minister to address the issue seriously and not dismiss it by claiming “there was no spurious liquor but methanol.”
PMK leader S. Ramadoss called on Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to take moral responsibility for the tragedy. He accused the district administration of covering up their inaction. “The government and police remain paralyzed, unable to control anything. It does not act against the sellers as they have the support of the ruling party,” Ramadoss said.
BJP state unit president K. Annamalai expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as heart-wrenching to see families in distress. He accused the DMK government of misgovernance and lack of accountability. “DMK has not learnt their lesson after the 22 hooch deaths last year & misgovernance has led to more deaths today,” Annamalai said, alleging that ministers posed with illicit liquor sellers without fear of consequences.
NTK leader Seeman criticized the DMK for what he described as incompetence and deterioration of law and order. He urged the government to eradicate illicit liquor and implement total prohibition by closing down all liquor outlets in the state.
AMMK chief T. T. V. Dhinakaran also condemned the government, stating that the loss of lives due to inefficiency had become routine in the state.
The tragedy has once again brought to the forefront the issue of illicit liquor and the state’s struggle to combat its production and distribution. The government has promised stringent action and assured that those responsible will be held accountable. However, the criticism from the opposition and the Governor indicates a growing demand for more effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.