Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement, fighting for lifting toddy ban in the State, today challenged BJP to come for a debate. If the party considered toddy a liquor like others the Movement was ready to pay Rs.10 crore.

In an open challenge to BJP’s front ranking leaders, the Movement Secretary S. Nallasamy asked whether the party, which was for total prohibition, include toddy and if yes the leaders had to prove that it was liquor in the debate.

The Movement, fighting for the cause of toddy for the last 10 years for the survival of coconut growers, had organised a fast in Chennai in September 2008, in which the then BJP State President L. Ganesan and incumbent President Tamilisai Soundarajan had supported the cause, he reminded.

Since BJP was also campaigning for total prohibition, the Movement had sought a clarification from the party to make its stand clear whether toddy belonged to the liquor category or food category, but there was no reply from the party so far, Nallasami said.

Stating that MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, who had supported during the initial stage, had backed out after the death of Sasi Perumal, said both Kongu Nadu Munnetra Kazhakam, which tapped toddy during an agitation and Samathwa Makkal Katchi also remained silent on the issue now.

“If BJP is for continuance of ban on toddy, the Movement is ready for an open debate, which will be held in Chennai, with a prize money of Rs.10 crore, if toddy is proved as liquor or intoxicating drink,” Nallasamy challenged.

Considering the possible law and order problem, only media and press persons would be allowed at the venue of debate, he said.

The Movement threw the challenge to Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, senior leaders H. Raja and L. Ganesan, State President, Tamilisai and Tamil Nadu Farmers wing of the party, Pon Vijayaraghavan.