Kamal Haasan: His party doesn't believe in prohibition or freebies
What's the story
When he launched his political party "Makkal Needhi Maiam" last week, superstar Kamal Haasan shied away from taking a stand on issues. However, now, Haasan has made his party's stance clear on two pertinent issues prevalent in Tamil Nadu: giving out freebies and alcohol prohibition. He clarified that he doesn't believe in either of these. What were his reasons? Here's more about it.
TN liquor
What's the deal with liquor in TN?
From being one of the first states to have prohibited liquor to establishing a Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) for procuring/selling alcohol, TN has had an on-off relationship with liquor. For the 2016 Assembly polls, prohibition took center-stage. The parties vehemently criticized government's way of earning revenue by selling liquor. Before elections, Opposition parties like DMK, PMK and MDMK promised total prohibition.
Haasan's views
What are Haasan's views on liquor prohibition?
In his Tamil magazine column, Haasan said that it isn't possible to make entire society dislike liquor. He claimed total prohibition results into mafia-raj. Further, liquor consumption could be reduced but stopping complete consumption is doubtful. He, however, suggested phasing-out outlets. He lamented that, "We have to search for a post-office but no need to search for a TASMAC. This has to change."
Freebies
Freebies in Tamil Nadu: Netas fulfill their moral obligations
Separately, if political parties want a guaranteed winning manifesto, they should take tips from TN's political parties. They revel in unbridled populism, especially before elections, doling out cheap rice, free color TVs, cash doles, laptops, mixers, grinders, etc. Rivals DMK and AIADMK have often tried to upstage one another on this game. However, this practice of freebies has often been criticized by many.
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What does Haasan say about it?
Unlike the middle path taken for liquor prohibition, Haasan was absolutely clear about his views on freebies. He claimed that giveaways don't work in the long term. He clarified that a permanent way has to be found for improving people's livelihood.