DMDK stages fast for prohibition

Intensifying its protest demanding ban on liquor, workers of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) along with party chief Vijaykanth today staged a fast here, pressing for prohibition in the state.
Leading the fast, Vijayakanth demanded implementation of prohibition and criticised the AIADMK regime for coming up with reasons like "no prohibition of liquor" in neighbouring states which may pave way for continued availability of alcoholic beverages.
DMDK, the main opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, had recently held a human chain protest over the issue and has now come to occupy the centrestage in the state politics with various parties upping the ante pressing the AIADMK government to ban liquor sales.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan called on Vijaykanth during the DMDK protest in an expression of solidarity.
The visit assumed significance as Vijaykanth had only recently said his party had no alliance with any party. DMDK was part of NDA till recently.
However, the DMDK leader was quick to dismiss any electoral significance to the gesture by the BJP leader.

"There will be a question immediately... If my party will have an alliance with BJP? should not any one come calling,?" he said.
The actor-turned politician also mocked at AIADMK's slogan of making Tamil Nadu the best state. "They say they will bring the 'numero uno' position for Tamil Nadu, first position for what? in consumption of liquor?" he asked.

"The first place for Tamil Nadu should be in banning liquor, the state can be a role model for other states in doing it," he said.
The DMDK also demanded a job for the son of Sasi Perumal, a Gandhian activist who died during a stir demanding the closure of a liquor outlet in Tamil Nadu.