In a recent statement, A.N.S. Prasad, the Tamil Nadu BJP’s state spokesperson, expressed strong concerns regarding the Tamil Nadu government’s plans to boost TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) sales during the Diwali festival. He criticized the government for prioritizing alcohol sales over the welfare of poor families and called for immediate action from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to halt this initiative.
Prasad highlighted that the state government has set sales targets for TASMAC stores, which he described as “shameful” and detrimental to the well-being of countless families struggling during the festive season. He urged the Chief Minister to declare a three-day holiday for TASMAC stores on October 30, 31, and November 1, coinciding with the Diwali celebrations, to alleviate the suffering of the economically disadvantaged.
The spokesperson condemned the government’s focus on increasing alcohol sales, stating that this decision would only push many poor families further into hardship. “This is not an achievement; it is a painful outcome that will prevent many families from celebrating Diwali,” he stated. He emphasized the need for the government to recognize the negative impact of such policies on society.
Prasad also criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s contradictory stance on alcohol regulation. While Chief Minister Stalin has promised to implement prohibition and reduce the number of TASMAC outlets, the current push to increase sales contradicts these claims. He pointed out that such actions represent a significant betrayal of the trust placed in the government by the people of Tamil Nadu.
The BJP spokesperson highlighted the dangers of promoting a culture of alcohol consumption, suggesting that the government’s actions risk turning Tamil Nadu into a state dominated by substance abuse and associated societal issues. He called for stringent measures to curb illegal liquor sales and ensure that lawful TASMAC stores do not exploit vulnerable communities during the festive season.