Whose Prohibition Is It Anyway? Jayalalithaa vs Sonia Gandhi Today

Chennai: After Nitish Kumar's successful consolidation of the woman vote in Bihar, another Chief Minister has promised prohibition if returned to power. J Jayalalithaa has committed in her manifesto released today what she has been promising since she began campaigning in April - a dry Tamil Nadu.

The AIADMK manifesto, released at a massive rally in Erode today, promises phased implementation of prohibition. "In a phased manner, we will work towards prohibition," Ms Jayalalithaa announced to much cheering.

The Opposition coalition of the DMK and the Congress says prohibition was their idea.

Addressing a rally in Chennai smaller than Jayalalithaa's, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today alleged that the DMK-Congress' promise of total prohibition - enforced Nitish-Kumar-style in one go - has made the chief minister "nervous."
 "Our stand made her take a stand as well," said Mrs Gandhi. Her party has tied up with J Jayalalithaa's arch-rival M Karunanidhi of the DMK, who hopes to be chief minister once again at 93. Mrs Gandhi and Mr Karunanidhi shared stage today at the Chennai rally.  Tamil Nadu votes on May 16 and votes will be counted on May 19.

At Ms Jayalalithaa's rally, prohibition was just one among many promises made. Women voters are the focus, with the AIADMK promising them subsidies on two-wheelers and extended maternity leave. It has also promised free mobile phones, laptops for students and 100 units of free power.

Last month, Bihar's chief minister Nitish Kumar came good on his key promise of prohibition made during his campaign for the state elections to women voters, who turned up on record numbers to vote and are said to have played a significant role in the big victory of Mr Kumar's coalition.