A youth wing meeting organised by the DMK's Kallakurichi South district unit has drawn criticism after videos showing beer bottles at the event went viral online.
The meeting took place on Sunday, 27 April, in a private hall in Sandaipettai, Tirukoilur. It was attended by booth-level organisers and deputy organisers from across the Kallakurichi district.
Rishivandiyam MLA Vasantham K Karthikeyan, who is also the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's South Kallakurichi district secretary, led the session. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections.
After the formal discussions ended, a non-vegetarian feast was arranged for over 700 youth functionaries. Allegedly, beer bottles were served with the food.
According to reports, three union-level organisers were in charge of the arrangements.
Videos circulating on social media show beer bottles placed alongside plates of food, with youth members seen posing with them. The visuals have triggered backlash, especially given the DMK's public stance on alcohol-related issues.
Critics online pointed to previous statements by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. In March 2016, she had warned that alcohol abuse was destroying families and turning Tamil Nadu into a state with the highest number of young widows.
She had also said that liquor had killed the talents of many young people and made them unemployable. However, in January 2023, Kanimozhi clarified that the DMK never promised full prohibition in its election manifesto. She said the party had only pledged to reduce the number of liquor outlets over time.
The latest incident has sparked renewed debate over the DMK’s position on alcohol and its internal discipline.
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