Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran has criticised reports that TASMAC outlets will introduce liquor products from 54 additional companies, calling the development “shocking”.
In a statement, he alleged that the state government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, is projecting itself as moving towards closing TASMAC shops while, at the same time, expanding the range of liquor available through the state-run retail network.
Nagendran linked the rise in crimes such as murder, robbery and sexual violence to substance abuse, and said a responsible government should focus on controlling alcohol and other intoxicants rather than widening access.
He argued that making more varieties easily available—rather than only during occasional travel to other towns—could increase drinking habits among youth. He urged the government to immediately abandon any plan to add more liquor varieties and instead reduce the number of TASMAC shops to bring addiction levels under control.
