Gandhians cycle to demand a ban on liquor

CHENNAI: It was a Satyagraha with a difference for a group of Gandhians who pedalled 400km across the state seeking prohibition on liquor.The six-day cycle rally by the Gandhians, belonging to Tamizhaga Lathchiyam Kudumbam outfit, began from Tiruchengode in Nammakal district and touched various parts of the State including Rasipuram, Atthur, Talaivasal, Chinna Salem, Kalakuruchi, Ulundurpettai, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Chengalpet, Madurantakam, Tambaram and Chennai.“The rally ended Friday morning after we submitted a petition seeking prohibition on liquor to the Chief Minister’s cell at Fort St George,” said Thangavel, an advocate and general secretary of the outfit. “We want total prohibition and closure of Tasmac shops besides inclusion of a chapter in the Samacheer Kalvi highlighting the ill-effects of drinking,” said Thangavel.The Gandhians who had been fighting for prohibition from 2005, have also launched a ‘Re One’ campaign during their journey to seek supporters in their campaign. “We have collected Re1 from 708 people who pledged support for prohibition,” said Thangavel.Many Gandhians, from different walks of life, have joined the movement seeking prohibition to alcohol addiction after losing their near and dear ones. PM Palanchamy, a farmer-cum-Gandhian, said he is resolved to fight for ban on liquor after he lost his father and his brother. Similarly, Rajendran, a textile mill mechanic, vowed to fight for prohibition after he lost his two brothers who died due to drinking habit.“We will also have a candidate on the prohibition plank during the Trichy bypolls. Even if he bags 10,000 votes, it is a victory for us. The seat fell vacant after the death of AIADMK candidate Mariam Pitchai,” said C Selvaraj of Ramnad district.“This is not the lone battle. We have even courted arrest after staging a dharna in front of then chief minister M Karunanidhi’s house in 2008,” said Thangavel.He said of the tax revenue of Rs 59,787 crore, Rs 17,946 crore comes from liquor. “This is nearly 30 per cent of revenue earned,” he added.