Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy: Tamil Nadu Vs Opposition Unfolds In Assembly After Eviction Of AIADMK MLAs

The turmoil began when AIADMK leaders called for an attention motion to discuss the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 49 lives.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Friday as AIADMK MLAs, removed earlier for creating chaos over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, refused to re-enter the Assembly despite an appeal from Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The turmoil began when AIADMK leaders called for an attention motion to discuss the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 49 lives. The ensuing chaos led Speaker M. Appavu to instruct for their removal. Later, Chief Minister Stalin accused AIADMK members of crossing Assembly bylaws and creating a "drama." MK Stalin said, "Tamil Nadu Government has taken immediate action. AIADMK members have crossed the Assembly bylaw and created a drama in the assembly."

An hour later, despite Stalin's request to the Speaker to permit their re-entry, AIADMK MLAs refused to return.

Adding to the Assembly's unrest, the PMK, an alliance partner of the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, staged a walkout. The PMK joined the chorus of voices criticizing the government's handling of the hooch tragedy.

In response to the chaos, heavy police presence was deployed at the Tamil Nadu Assembly premises in Chennai to maintain order both inside and outside the Assembly. 

Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy: Opposition's Criticism

After the eviction, Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the government’s response, stating, "In Kallakurichi, consuming illicit liquor claimed 50 lives as per the information we have. We asked permission from Speaker M. Appavu to discuss the issue. This is a huge tragedy. If permission is not granted even for this issue, then there is no reason for being elected as an Assembly member."

He further accused the government of failing to provide proper treatment to affected individuals and of disseminating false information about the initial deaths. After meeting the victims, PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss also condemned the government's inaction against the sale of illicit liquor and demanded accountability from officials who failed to prevent the tragedy.

Anbumani Ramadoss said, "This is a huge loss to Tamil Nadu and shameful for the state. In particular, it's a huge shame for Tamil Nadu Government. Everyone knows that illicit liquor is sold here in this area but no action was taken. What's the punishment for those officials who failed to curtail this illicit liquor?"

However, Chief Minister Stalin announced several measures in response to the tragedy. Tamil Nadu CM said Kallakurichi District Collector has been transferred and the SP along with other concerned police officials have been suspended. The case has been transferred to the CBCID. Stalin emphasized the government's commitment to curbing the drug menace, which he described as severely affecting the future generation.

Meanwhile, three individuals accused in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy—Govindaraj, Damodaran, and Vijaya—have been sent to 15-day judicial custody and taken to Cuddalore prison. District court judge Sriram ordered their custody until July 5.