The DMK Rajya Sabha MP, Kanimozhi, said that the ruling party was not keen on implementing total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, since it was generating lucrative revenue for Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s close friend, who runs a distillery.

“The announcement to implement prohibition in phased manner is just an election stunt, because all the other political parties have promised it in their election manifesto. If voted into power, prohibition will be DMK’s first signature, as announced by party chief Karunanidhi,” Kanimozhi said.

While addressing an election rally in Podanur, Vellalore, and other places in and around Coimbatore, Kanimozhi said that the DMK government had closed 1,300 liquor shops, but there are currently 6,800 liquor shops across Tamil Nadu, in the AIADMK regime, earning revenue of more than Rs.23,000 crore per annum.

“Will the ruling party close down an option which earns Rs.11,000 crores to the Chief Minister’s friend (Sasikala) and Rs.23,000 crores to the exchequer?” she asked.

Kanimozhi also blamed the government for failing to desilt the canals and lakes which could have increased the groundwater levels all over the state, following the heavy rains.

About the DMK manifesto, Kanimozhi said that it was drafted based on the opinions and needs of the masses.