Bring back dry law in Tamil Nadu: Medha Patkar urges Jayalalithaa

TIRUCHY: Noted social activist Medha Patkar appealed to Tamil Nadu CM J. Jayalalithaa to introduce total prohibition in the state and win the hearts of all women in the state.

Ms. Patkar who was here to attend various functions on Saturday, pointed out in her informal chat with media that the pro-liquor policy was killing the natural health of people. Liquor was a clear attack on life and the spirit of life, she said and added that politicians and rulers considered liquor as a commodity to earn revenue.

Later, addressing students of the social work departments of various colleges in and around Tiruchy, she called upon them to launch “a revolution” against liquor with local leaders. In her interaction with students and local activists, she said that parties, which were in power, instead of protecting the interests of the common man and his livelihood, promoted corporates and changed laws in their favour.

Ms Patkar emphasised that laws should be framed in favour of farmers, fish workers, and other working classes who contribute to the country’s growth and development.

She came down heavily on PM Modi for leaving farmers, fishermen, potters, weavers and other conventional professionals in the lurch and giving top priority to the ‘so-called Digital India’.

Ms. Patkar who is also one of the national convenors of the National Alliance for People’s Movement, said it was planning mass action to fight for the rights of local communities over natural resources, against corporate globalisation and for laying primacy on sustainable development.