The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDI) party on Sunday, criticizing its silence on the recent hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district. At least 56 people have died and over 40 of them were Dalits who consumed spurious liquor. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused INDI leaders, including Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sonia Gandhi, along with DMK and other constituents, of being silent on the issue.
Patra questioned why the leaders were not speaking out on the tragedy, suggesting that it did not serve their political interests. He also slammed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, accusing his government and the DMK of being complicit in the tragedy. Patra pointed out that the district collector initially denied that people died after consuming spurious liquor, allegedly due to pressure from the government to avoid embarrassment ahead of an Assembly session. This led to more deaths the next day, according to Patra.
BJP Targets INDI Alliance for Silence on Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy
The BJP leader accused Stalin of being absent and not visiting the bereaved families of those who died, and asked why he had not come out with a statement on the tragedy. Patra further demanded that INDI Alliance leaders show repentance by gathering near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in the Parliament complex and observing a moment of silence for the lives lost.
Patra’s remarks were a clear attempt to corner the INDI Alliance and the DMK government on the issue, and to draw attention to the alleged complicity of the government in the tragedy. He emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi was against illicit liquor and asked the INDI Alliance leaders to follow his principles. The BJP’s attack is likely to put pressure on the INDI Alliance and the DMK government to respond to the tragedy and address the concerns of the people.
