Tamil Nadu: VCK To Join Hands With AIADMK For This Cause

Thol Thirumavalavan, VCK general secretary, extended an open invitation to AIADMK for an 'anti-liquor conference' on October 2. This event, organised by the VCK women's wing in Kallakurichi, sparked political speculations about potential alliances for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Thirumavalavan clarified that the conference aimed to combat alcohol and drug abuse in Tamil Nadu. He stressed that his party separates electoral politics from social causes. Despite this, rumours of a rift between DMK and VCK, who had jointly contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, began circulating.

AIADMK's Response to Invitation

When asked about Thirumavalavan's invitation, AIADMK organisation secretary D Jayakumar said the party would decide on attending. He acknowledged that alcohol and drugs were causing significant issues in the State.

The VCK leader criticised the DMK government for not fulfilling its promise to close liquor shops gradually. He accused the government of prioritising revenue from liquor sales over public health.

Demand for Prohibition

Thirumavalavan demanded total prohibition in Tamil Nadu and urged the government to set a timeline for its implementation. He also called on the Union Government to create a national prohibition policy and provide special funds to States willing to enforce it.

Kallakurichi was chosen as the conference venue due to recent scrutiny after 60 people died in a hooch tragedy. The date, October 2, coincides with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, who opposed liquor consumption.

Publicity and Political Implications

The conference has been widely publicised through billboards and press meets across Tamil Nadu. Thirumavalavan's open invitation to AIADMK was seen as an attempt to align with them on prohibition as a common cause.

Thirumavalavan stated that the invitation was open to all parties except communal and casteist ones. He argued that communalism and casteism are worse than drug addiction. This statement gained significance as AIADMK aims to expand its alliance before the next elections by including more parties.

The speculation around this invitation highlights the dynamic nature of political alliances in Tamil Nadu. As parties navigate social issues like prohibition, their strategies for future elections may evolve accordingly.