Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan has extended an invitation to AIADMK to participate in his party's upcoming anti-liquor conference, despite VCK currently being a part of the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. The conference, aimed at advocating for the eradication of alcohol and drug abuse, will take place in Kallakurichi on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
Thirumavalavan made the unexpected invitation during a press conference in Chennai on Tuesday, urging the AIADMK to join the VCK in its demand for a national prohibition policy, as per a report on ABP Nadu. He argued that the central government should provide special funds to state governments to offset any financial loss incurred by implementing such a policy. Additionally, he called on the Tamil Nadu government to announce a clear timeline for the complete closure of liquor shops across the state, citing alcohol sales as detrimental to the nation's human resources.
Thirumavalavan criticized both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK for their reluctance to implement a full prohibition on alcohol, despite both parties having supported similar policies in the past. He stressed the importance of all parties coming together on the same platform for the cause of alcohol prohibition, emphasizing that his invitation to the AIADMK was not motivated by electoral considerations but by a shared commitment to social issues.
"There is reluctance in Tamil Nadu to introduce alcohol prohibition," he said, calling out both AIADMK and DMK. "All those who are reluctant can come to the conference... This is not for election. Do not associate this with elections."
However, Thirumavalavan's invitation to the AIADMK has stirred political speculation, especially given that the DMK, a key ally of VCK, is currently the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. By inviting AIADMK to the anti-liquor conference, Thirumavalavan appears to be pressuring the DMK government to take stronger action toward a complete prohibition policy.