Chennai: Amid signs of improving ties with the ruling DMK and the state government's willingness to implement prohibition of liquor in a phased manner in Tamil Nadu, the PMK today said the state should make the ban effective from January 14 (Tamil New Year Day).

Addressing a PMK women's wing campaign on total prohibition here, PMK founder leader S Ramadoss expressed hope that the government would come out with a "favourable decision" towards implementing prohibition on that day.

Ramadoss, a strong advocate of liquor prohibition, recalled Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's assurance to a delegation of Viduthalai Chiragugal Katchi leader Thirumavalavan and himself among others recently that liquor would be prohibited in the state in a phase manner.

Claiming that PMK's campaign was not aimed at garnering votes for the coming Lok Sabha polls, he said the party was more concerned about the health and welfare of the people. "We have not done this campaign to garner votes. You can vote for any candidate of your choice."

Ramadoss said reducing working hours of state run TASMAC shops which sell liquor would not have any impact and countered the government contention that total prohibition would lead to prevalence of illicit liquor.

He displayed packets, which he alleged was illicit liquor given to him on a visit to his village in Villupuram district, and said such liquor sales were already present in the state.

He said the liquor sales continued, no youngster will be free of the habit in the next few years.

He also asked the government to sanction a solatium of Rs 3,000 for widows of victims of illicit liquor. PMK also asked for a free, quality and compulsory education for children of such victims, he added.

Source : PTI