Hooch tragedy: Annamalai urges TN govt to act tough


In a vehement response to the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi district, BJP state president K. Annamalai on Thursday demanded the resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The incident, which has claimed more than 40 lives, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

Annamalai announced a state-wide protest on June 22, 2024, to condemn the “incompetence of the DMK government in curbing the production and sale of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu.” Additionally, he has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry into the deaths caused by the consumption of methanol-mixed arrack in Kallakurichi.

“Taking moral responsibility for the valuable lives lost, CM Stalin should resign immediately and dismiss the Prohibition Minister S. Muthusamy,” Annamalai stated in a social media post. “We request the Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ponder if he has the righteousness to continue in his position after the gruesome death of over 60 lives due to illicit liquor in the last two years.”

Annamalai, accompanied by BJP functionaries, visited the Kallakurichi Government Hospital where victims are receiving treatment. He met with the injured and later visited the families of the deceased, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic death of more than 40 invaluable lives after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. On behalf of TN BJP, we visited Kallakurichi to share the sorrows of the families who have lost their dear ones in this dreaded incident,” Annamalai said. He assured the families of the BJP’s fullest support during this difficult time.