Congress to stage fast on August 14 demanding prohibition in Tamil Nadu

ERODE: Joining the growing list of parties organising protests demanding prohibition, Congress in Tamil Nadu today announced a state-wide token fast on August 14 to press for the ban on liquor.

To press and propagate the importance of total prohibition, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee would hold a one- day token fast on August 14 in all districts, TNCC President E V K S Elangovan told reporters here.

He himself would participate in the 10-hour long fast in Chennai, the TNCC leader said.

Stating that all opposition parties in the state were against functioning of liquor shops, he urged the AIADMK Government to impose total prohibition and save the people from the evil habit.

The protests by opposition parties had gained momentum inthe backdrop of the recent death of Gandhian and anti-liquor activist Sasi Perumal during a stir demanding closure of state-run IMFL shop in a town in Kanyakumari District. DMK and BJP are today organising protests demanding prohibition.

Regarding Mekedatu dam across Cauvery in Karnataka, Elangovan said he had already opposed the proposed project and also met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, heading the Congress government, and gave a representation.

To a question on the tie-ups for the 2016 assembly elections in the state, he said the "AICC will announce the alliance details at an appropriate time after the announcement of the poll."