In a bid to combat the growing drug menace in Tamil Nadu, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai has urged the people of the state to dedicate 15 hours of their time over the next week towards making Tamil Nadu drug-free. Annamalai’s appeal comes amidst rising concerns over the proliferation of narcotic drugs and the need for concerted efforts to address the issue.
Critiquing the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Annamalai pointed out the irony of their recent human chain protest against the drug menace under the current Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. He questioned the sincerity of their protest, highlighting their role in facilitating the proliferation of liquor through TASMAC shops during their tenure.
Drawing attention to recent drug busts and the prevalence of drug culture among the youth, Annamalai emphasized the need for decisive action to curb drug abuse in the state. He underscored the BJP’s commitment to tackling the issue differently from previous administrations, pledging to work tirelessly on the ground to eradicate drugs from Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai stressed that the closure of TASMAC shops is imperative for effectively combating drug abuse in the state. His statement comes in the wake of the arrest of three individuals from Delhi and the seizure of methamphetamine drugs, allegedly linked to the drug mafia led by former DMK NRI wing member and film producer Jaffar Sadiq.
In a video message, Annamalai outlined the severity of the drug problem, highlighting the adverse health effects on individuals, particularly youth. He called upon various stakeholders, including students, parents, college and school principals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to join hands in the fight against drug abuse.
The BJP chief also referenced the ongoing investigation into the drug cartel led by Jaffar Sadiq, who is currently in custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). It is reported that Sadiq has provided crucial information about his operations and individuals involved in drug trafficking, shedding light on the network of beneficiaries profiting from illicit drug trade.
Let’s contribute 15 hours of our valuable time in the next 7 days to propagate de-addiction.
Let’s join together to make Tamil Nadu Drug-Free.
I’ve taken the pledge. Have you?
If not, visit https://t.co/prUlaewydt pic.twitter.com/4mkWXhuZM7
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 12, 2024
The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a massive protest at Valluvarkottam in Chennai on March 12, condemning the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government for allegedly turning the state into a “headquarters” for drugs. Led by BJP leader H Raja, the demonstration drew thousands of participants, including youths, women, and other concerned citizens.
During the protest, BJP office-bearer Amar Prasad Reddy asserted that the prevalence of narcotic drugs and illicit liquor could be eradicated from the state through electoral decimation of the DMK. The protesters criticised the state government’s handling of the alleged drug menace, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the issue.
Party leader Annamalai provided a detailed account of the narcotic substances seized in various parts of the state, emphasising that drugs are easily accessible near educational institutions. He accused the DMK government of failing to contain the drug menace and pledged the BJP’s commitment to combating the issue differently.
As part of their initiative to tackle the drug menace, the BJP announced a week-long campaign from March 13 to 20. The party cadre plans to visit schools, colleges, apartments, and bus stands, conducting medical camps, organising visits to drug rehabilitation centers, and educating the public about the harmful effects of drugs. On March 16, the BJP will organise booth committee meetings in 50,000 locations across the state to intensify efforts against the drug menace.
In a move to consolidate their anti-drug efforts, the BJP also launched a dedicated website, drugfreetamilnadu.com, encouraging party workers to take a pledge and actively contribute to the fight against drugs.
Meanwhile, on March 11, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met with Governor RN Ravi and presented a petition seeking action against the alleged drug menace in the state. Palaniswami questioned Chief Minister M K Stalin’s moral responsibility and demanded his resignation over the failure to contain the drug menace.
In response, AIADMK organised demonstrations across the state, with Palaniswami leading a protest in Chennai where party members wore black shirts and raised slogans against the DMK government.
As Tamil Nadu grapples with the alarming rise of the alleged drug menace, the political landscape intensifies with both the BJP and AIADMK taking a strong stance against the issue, calling for accountability and immediate action from the government.
