Chennai: M Karunanidhi-led DMK is holding a state-wide agitation in Tamil Nadu on Monday demanding the full implementation of the prohibition on sale of liquor in the state.
Supported by the BJP, this is the second state-wide protest by the DMK in a month, increasing pressure on the ruling AIADMK. Earlier, the police took action against DMK protesters who were demanding prohibition of alcohol.
Karunanidhi condemned the crackdown, calling it ruthless.
Karunanidhi's recent proposal to take steps to implement prohibition if voted to power in the coming elections has been met with contempt from AIADMK and PMK, who insisted that the DMK government in 1971 had first removed prevailing dry regime despite veteran Swatantra Party leader C Rajagopalachary making a fervent plea against it.
In a detailed letter to partymen, Karunanidhi recalled the circumstances leading to him declaring 'postponing' of prohibition in Tamil Nadu, as financial strains were affecting the state even as the then Central government had ruled out compensating the state for dry law under technical grounds.
"Rajaji came to my home seeking withdrawal of the proposal. But after I explained the financial situation of the state government, he understood the fact. But some are creating an image as if I did not heed his demand even as he came to my home on a rainy day," he said in an apparent reference to AIADMK and PMK.
(With additional information from PTI)
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