தமிழ் நாடு: மது விலக்கை கோருக்கள், 80 லட்சம் Youth addiction claim மற்றும் TVK ஆட்சியின் விவாதம்

Alcohol prohibition rally in Chennai

On 2 October 2026, a women's awareness rally was held in Chennai demanding the implementation of alcohol prohibition across the state [1]. The rally was organised as the first step of a campaign announced by PMK MLA Sowmya Anbumani, who called for a ban on liquor citing concerns about youth addiction [2]. Participants said the rally aimed to gradually reduce the number of liquor shops in the state and to raise public awareness about the alleged harms of alcohol consumption.

Claims about youth alcohol addiction

During her visit to Kanyakumari district, Sowmya Anbumani stated that "80 லட்சம் இளைஞர்கள் மது பழக்கத்துக்கு அடிமையாகி உள்ளனர். 54 லட்சம் மாணவர்கள் குடி நோயர்கள் ஆகி உள்ளனர்" [2]. She added that many of these individuals begin the habit before entering college and urged the government to remove liquor from society. These figures are presented as political claims and have not been verified by official health department records.

Debate over the TVK government’s governance

The administration led by Chief Minister Vijay, often referred to as the TVK government, has become a focal point of political discussion. Opposition leaders, including DMK’s Kanimozhi, have questioned what concrete changes have been made since the chief minister assumed office [1]. In contrast, opinion columns such as the "Doubt Dhanabalu" piece in Dinamalar have asserted that the TVK administration has ended dynasty politics, stopped the collection of party funds through tenders, reduced bribery in government offices, and allowed officials to work without political interference [1]. These assertions are presented as commentary and should be treated as political claims rather than verified administrative outcomes.

Calls for further investigation

Beyond the prohibition debate, activists have urged the Tamil Nadu government to set up a Special Investigation Team to re‑examine past incidents such as the Kodanadu Estate case, arguing that the full truth about the involvement of money, power and political links remains unclear [1]. Swami Nathan, General Secretary of the 'We The Leaders' organisation, has specifically requested that the SIT look into the robbery and murder incidents at the late former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's Kodanadu Estate, noting that nine years after the incident the complete picture has not emerged.