File photo: MDMK chief Vaiko
Condemning the arrest of Tamil folk singer Kovan on sedition charges over a song criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, MDMK chief recited a few lines of the song and dared the government to arrest him.
Reciting a few lines of the controversial song, which was critical of the State government's liquor policy, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary said there could be nothing wrong in creating awareness against the ill effects of alcohol. He also demanded the release of Mr Kovan.
"Liquor is in all villages and towns. Tamil Nadu staggers...Are you foisting NSA (National Security Act) for writing this? File NSA against me. Four crore women want liquor shops shut," he added.
With assembly elections due next year Mr Vaiko and other opposition parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are promising prohibition of liquor in the state, if elected.
Last year the state earned Rs 27,000 crore from sale of liqour.