Soumya Anbumani launches campaign demanding steps to reduce liquor shops in Tamil Nadu

Pasumai Thayagam President and PMK Legislative Party Leader Soumya Anbumani launched a new movement called 'Madhu Illatha Tamizhagam' or liquor-free Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Friday, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

Campaign Details

The initiative aims to completely remove social, health, and economic problems caused by liquor in the state. Speaking to reporters in T. Nagar, Chennai, Soumya Anbumani stated that Tamil Nadu records the highest number of road accidents in the country, with alcohol serving as the main reason behind them. She noted that removing liquor will solve many problems, including law and order issues and domestic violence. Citing Mahatma Gandhi's views, she added that if children's education requires selling liquor, such education is unnecessary as long as the country is free of alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes around 200 dangerous diseases, prompting her call for public and government support.

Political Pressure

The movement plans to build pressure on the government to gradually close liquor outlets, reminding the administration of its election manifesto promise to take step-by-step measures to shut down liquor shops if it comes to power. To create public awareness, campaigns will be held across various areas, stretching from Gummidipoondi to Kanyakumari and from Ooty to Kodaikanal. PMK Treasurer Tilagabama, former MLAs Sakthi Kamalambal and Kasambu Poomalai, and women's wing state official Nirmalaraja attended the event.

Context

Public health advocates and regional political groups in India frequently push for total or partial alcohol prohibition to curb domestic abuse and traffic accidents. Such grassroots campaigns often use symbolic dates like Gandhi Jayanti to draw public attention to state-level policy changes.