Reconsider decision to reopen Tasmac outlets as Tamil Nadu people have almost forgotten liquor: Pon Radhakrishnan

M K Ananth | TNN | May 6, 2020, 16:18 IST

Pon Radhakrishnan

MADURAI: BJP leader and former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Wednesday said the Tamil Nadu government should reconsider its decision to reopen liquor outlets.
Talking to reporters in Kanyakumari district after distributing rice, vegetables and other relief materials to the economically weaker section, the BJP leader said reopening of Tasmac liquor outlets would result in jewellery and vessels from homes being pledged at pawn shops by alcoholics.
“People of Tamil Nadu have almost forgotten alcohol. Using this situation, the state government should have enforced total prohibition in a phased manner. But Tasmac liquor outlets will reopen on Thursday. This comes at a time when there is no money in the hands of the people,” he said.
“If the Tasmac shops are opened, the dole given by the government will land at the liquor shops,” Radhakrishnan said.
While stating that the lockdown has helped keep spread of Covid-19 under check, he admitted that this has also affected the people in the lower strata of the society and industries badly. He said that the government should consider relaxing the lockdown norms, while ensuring that the virus does not spread.
Radhakrishnan said the outbreak due to opening Koyambedu market in Chennai should be seen as a lesson. “The Rs 1,000 dole given by the government is less. But we should also consider the situation of the government,” he said and made an appeal to the people to reduce their expenses.