The DMK, the ruling party, has ordered to reopen the TASMAC stores, which were closed due to curfew, amid a lack of income during the Corona era. TASMAC stores are allowed to open in 27 districts where corona exposure is low.
The public has been demanding for years that TASMAC liquor stores across Tamil Nadu be closed permanently. Despite, only small efforts were happened like a change in the opening hours of TASMAC stores and relocate them out of town, the promises to close Tasmac stores altogether end up as mere election campaign tactics without party affiliation.
On May 7, the DMK announced that it would take up the protest against the AIADMK government’s decision to allow TASMAC stores to open during the Corona period. Following this, the DMK and its allies strongly condemned the decision and joined the protest in black.
Udayanithi Stalin, DMK youth wing secretary and current Chepauk assembly constituency MLA, issued a press release entitled “We will wear the black logo and oppose the opening of TASMAC”.
He added, “Condemning the opening of TASMAC stores during the curfew, young people in all districts must stand in front of their homes in black, chanting slogans against the AIADMK government, which has failed to eradicate the corona! ”Emotionally posted on Twitter.
Everyone, including DMK MP Kanimozhi, wore black and chanted slogans. The protest, which was held under the banner “Why did liquor stores open during this curfew?”, received a lot of attention on social media. The news continued to air. The hashtags against AIADMK and Edappadi were trending on Twitter.
Last August, the current chief minister, MK Stalin, said, “It is inhumane to think that to gain income via TASMAC without knowing whoever is affected! Do not open TASMAC during curfew. Don’t let the virus multiply! ” However, now in the current situation of corona growing in Tamil Nadu, the Government’s action to open TASMAC is condemned by many.
There is anger and sadness among the public as to why the government is going to open TASMAC stores at this time. Various people, and political parties including AIADMK, BJP and BJP, have criticized this decision to open TASMAC. It remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision and close the TASMAC stores.
