In New Delhi [India], Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda wrote a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in connection with the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that claimed 57 lives in Tamil Nadu and said that he was "shocked" by the stoic silence maintained by the Congress party over this incident.
The BJP president said in his letter that he is not writing it merely in the capacity of national president of the BJP but more importantly as 'Bharatiya'.
He also invited Kharge to join his leaders for a black gang protest against this "state-sponsored disaster" in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside Prerna Sthal inside the Parliament premises. "I hope this letter finds you in good health. It is with great regret that I write this letter to you, not simply as the National President of the BJP but, more importantly, as Bharatiya. "Nadu, after the worst tragedy of spurious liquor consumption ever experienced in Tamil Nadu, which has left 56 dead so far and nearly 159 people hospitalized, has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said.
Nadda said the BJP has not only expressed its deepest condolences and solidarity to the people of Tamil Nadu but has extended maximum support to all the distressed families.
"The images of crying women and children who have lost their husbands, sons and fathers have left everyone speechless. This is a human tragedy of enormous proportions, which words alone can never fully sum up. The BJP, Being a sensitive party, it has not only extended our deepest condolences and solidarity to the people of Tamil Nadu during this period of mourning, but has also extended maximum support to all the bereaved families," he said. "But even as we collectively mourn this great loss, I am compelled to inform you of some shocking facts and circumstances, which perhaps could have helped prevent this thoughtless loss of innocent lives. And if, even at this stage, I waver from my moral obligation to bring these facts before you for your benefit. knowledge and action, I would be failing in my responsibilities towards humanity as a whole," added the BJP leader.
Expressing concern over the alcohol tragedy, Nadda termed the incident as a man-made disaster and said the lives of the deceased would have been saved if there was no nexus between DMK and INDIA, the bloc dispensation and the mafia. illicit liquor.
"Kharge ji, the tragedy in Kallakurichi is entirely a man-made disaster and perhaps had there not been the deep nexus between the ruling DMK-INDI Allaince dispensation and the illicit liquor mafia, 56 lives could have been saved today. In May 2023, around 23 people had once again succumbed to consuming illicit liquor in Villupuram and Chengalpattu Also at that time, the BJP had warned the ruling DMK-INDI Alliance government about the complicity and nexus between its officials. and the illicit liquor mafia. sincere exhortations," he said. "Let me remind you that in 2021, the Congress manifesto detailed a plan for banning liquor in the state. The DMK-INDI Alliance has also made such lofty promises in. Ironically, your DMK-INDI Alliance government is now the biggest sponsor of the illicit trade in spurious liquor that has claimed hundreds of lives when you were in power," the BJP president added.
Nadda, attacking the DMK-led state government, said that when the disaster occurred, instead of taking responsibility and saving lives, the state administration was busy trying to cover up.
"Also in the present case, the media and investigative reports have so far made it clear how this illicit liquor business operated with impunity, in the open air and in broad daylight, obviously with the sponsorship of the State and the police. disaster occurred, instead of immediately taking responsibility and saving lives, the state administration was busy trying to cover up," he said. Nadda took aim at CM MK Stalin and said his government continues to block independent, free and fair investigation by opposing a CBI investigation.
"That cover-up proved fatal and led to the loss of more lives. There are documented accounts of how the police released one of the main accused just a few days ago, perhaps due to his political patronage and corruption in the law and system of public order, of which there is also evidence, in light of these incontrovertible facts that reach the public domain, can this be classified as anything other than a "state-sponsored murder"?
“I am sure that you too, with your vast experience in public life and administration, would come to the same conclusion as me. But what has been more disappointing is the brazen response of the DMK-INDI alliance government led by Thiru M K Stalin, who continues "Your government continues to block an independent, free and fair investigation by opposing a CBI probe," the BJP leader added. Nadda questioned the role of the police or the CB-CID, alleging that when there is a With clear political patronage and a nexus involved, will the real perpetrators ever be brought to justice through such an investigation?
"Kharge ji, when the role of the police itself is suspect, can the Tamil Nadu police or the CB-CID be trusted to investigate this fairly? When there is clear political patronage and nexus involved, is there any Will the real perpetrators be brought to justice through such an investigation? Thiru Stalin, instead of immediately asking his Minister of Excise and Prohibition, Muthuswamy, to resign, has been suppressing the opposition so that it cannot raise its voice. voice inside and outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, which is our constitutional and democratic right," he said.
"Many Tamil Nadu BJP leaders have been prevented from raising their voices demanding justice and Nyay for these victims. In fact, muzzling the right of opposition parties to raise this issue of public importance is a major assault not only on freedom of expression but also to the constitutional and democratic spirit of Bharat," Nadda wrote in his letter. He further added: "Kharge ji, as you know, Karunapuram is largely populated by scheduled castes, who face several challenges due to poverty and discrimination in Tamil Nadu. In view of this, I was surprised that when such a big disaster has taken place, the Congress Party led by you, has maintained a stoic silence on this. and the welfare and safety of the SC and ST community is one such issue. Kharge ji, today is the time to lead by example “Nyay” and not reduce it to a catchy campaign slogan, deployed for the launch. of a failed political dynasty. Today, the people of Tamil Nadu and the entire community of South Carolina are witnessing the double standards of the Congress Party and the Congress Party. particularly from Rahul Gandhi and the I.N.D.I Alliance leaders.
"Suddenly, all of Rahul Gandhi's sanctimonious preachings about the Constitution and ensuring the welfare and rights of the South Carolina community have ceased. Instead of taking action, DMK-INDI Alliance-Congress ally Kamal Haasan , went and rubbed salt in the wounds of the victim's families blaming them instead of the corrupt nexus of illicit liquor mafia and DMK-
INDI alliance officials,” he claimed. “He even alluded to giving the people of the area “psychiatric counselling”. Instead of providing succor and relief, SC victims are being shamed by their allies. Time to act, Kharge ji. Empty words, selling false narratives and hollow promises will not undo the Anyay launched on the SC victims and their families by the DMK-INDI Alliance government,” Nadda added.
The BJP president in his letter to Kharge said the nation wants him to put pressure on the Tamil Nadu government to launch a CBI probe and ensure immediate removal of Muthuswamy as minister.
"At this juncture, the BJP and the entire nation demand that pressure be put on the Tamil Nadu government of the DMK-INDI Alliance to launch a CBI probe and ensure the immediate removal of Thiru Muthuswamy as minister. We also demand on behalf of the families of the victims to increase the compensation to a reasonable level that can ensure that these families have adequate support. We seek that Thiru MK Stalin, who is also the Home Minister of Tamil Nadu, visit the families and the area and ensure a. strict crackdown on corrupt officials instead of patronizing them and blatantly defending them," he said. "We also urge you to go after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, visit the families of the victims or at least muster the courage to speak up. their voice on this issue instead of maintaining a hypocritical, selective and humiliating silence," Nadda added.
"Finally, there seems to be an inclination towards the illegal liquor business and Sharab Ghotala among many of the members of your I.N.D.I. Alliance. Such inclinations harm the nation and the society. You should purge your alliance of such elements, which go against of the basic philosophies of Mahatma. Gandhi ji, who was strictly against alcohol consumption and indulged in patronizing illicit liquor trade or liquor scams," he said.
"Finally, I invite you to join our leaders in a black gang protest against this 'state-sponsored disaster' in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside Prerna Sthal within the Parliament premises," Nadda added in his letter .
The BJP president said in his letter that he is not writing it merely in the capacity of national president of the BJP but more importantly as 'Bharatiya'.
He also invited Kharge to join his leaders for a black gang protest against this "state-sponsored disaster" in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside Prerna Sthal inside the Parliament premises. "I hope this letter finds you in good health. It is with great regret that I write this letter to you, not simply as the National President of the BJP but, more importantly, as Bharatiya. "Nadu, after the worst tragedy of spurious liquor consumption ever experienced in Tamil Nadu, which has left 56 dead so far and nearly 159 people hospitalized, has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said.
Nadda said the BJP has not only expressed its deepest condolences and solidarity to the people of Tamil Nadu but has extended maximum support to all the distressed families.
"The images of crying women and children who have lost their husbands, sons and fathers have left everyone speechless. This is a human tragedy of enormous proportions, which words alone can never fully sum up. The BJP, Being a sensitive party, it has not only extended our deepest condolences and solidarity to the people of Tamil Nadu during this period of mourning, but has also extended maximum support to all the bereaved families," he said. "But even as we collectively mourn this great loss, I am compelled to inform you of some shocking facts and circumstances, which perhaps could have helped prevent this thoughtless loss of innocent lives. And if, even at this stage, I waver from my moral obligation to bring these facts before you for your benefit. knowledge and action, I would be failing in my responsibilities towards humanity as a whole," added the BJP leader.
Expressing concern over the alcohol tragedy, Nadda termed the incident as a man-made disaster and said the lives of the deceased would have been saved if there was no nexus between DMK and INDIA, the bloc dispensation and the mafia. illicit liquor.
"Kharge ji, the tragedy in Kallakurichi is entirely a man-made disaster and perhaps had there not been the deep nexus between the ruling DMK-INDI Allaince dispensation and the illicit liquor mafia, 56 lives could have been saved today. In May 2023, around 23 people had once again succumbed to consuming illicit liquor in Villupuram and Chengalpattu Also at that time, the BJP had warned the ruling DMK-INDI Alliance government about the complicity and nexus between its officials. and the illicit liquor mafia. sincere exhortations," he said. "Let me remind you that in 2021, the Congress manifesto detailed a plan for banning liquor in the state. The DMK-INDI Alliance has also made such lofty promises in. Ironically, your DMK-INDI Alliance government is now the biggest sponsor of the illicit trade in spurious liquor that has claimed hundreds of lives when you were in power," the BJP president added.
Nadda, attacking the DMK-led state government, said that when the disaster occurred, instead of taking responsibility and saving lives, the state administration was busy trying to cover up.
"Also in the present case, the media and investigative reports have so far made it clear how this illicit liquor business operated with impunity, in the open air and in broad daylight, obviously with the sponsorship of the State and the police. disaster occurred, instead of immediately taking responsibility and saving lives, the state administration was busy trying to cover up," he said. Nadda took aim at CM MK Stalin and said his government continues to block independent, free and fair investigation by opposing a CBI investigation.
"That cover-up proved fatal and led to the loss of more lives. There are documented accounts of how the police released one of the main accused just a few days ago, perhaps due to his political patronage and corruption in the law and system of public order, of which there is also evidence, in light of these incontrovertible facts that reach the public domain, can this be classified as anything other than a "state-sponsored murder"?
“I am sure that you too, with your vast experience in public life and administration, would come to the same conclusion as me. But what has been more disappointing is the brazen response of the DMK-INDI alliance government led by Thiru M K Stalin, who continues "Your government continues to block an independent, free and fair investigation by opposing a CBI probe," the BJP leader added. Nadda questioned the role of the police or the CB-CID, alleging that when there is a With clear political patronage and a nexus involved, will the real perpetrators ever be brought to justice through such an investigation?
"Kharge ji, when the role of the police itself is suspect, can the Tamil Nadu police or the CB-CID be trusted to investigate this fairly? When there is clear political patronage and nexus involved, is there any Will the real perpetrators be brought to justice through such an investigation? Thiru Stalin, instead of immediately asking his Minister of Excise and Prohibition, Muthuswamy, to resign, has been suppressing the opposition so that it cannot raise its voice. voice inside and outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, which is our constitutional and democratic right," he said.
"Many Tamil Nadu BJP leaders have been prevented from raising their voices demanding justice and Nyay for these victims. In fact, muzzling the right of opposition parties to raise this issue of public importance is a major assault not only on freedom of expression but also to the constitutional and democratic spirit of Bharat," Nadda wrote in his letter. He further added: "Kharge ji, as you know, Karunapuram is largely populated by scheduled castes, who face several challenges due to poverty and discrimination in Tamil Nadu. In view of this, I was surprised that when such a big disaster has taken place, the Congress Party led by you, has maintained a stoic silence on this. and the welfare and safety of the SC and ST community is one such issue. Kharge ji, today is the time to lead by example “Nyay” and not reduce it to a catchy campaign slogan, deployed for the launch. of a failed political dynasty. Today, the people of Tamil Nadu and the entire community of South Carolina are witnessing the double standards of the Congress Party and the Congress Party. particularly from Rahul Gandhi and the I.N.D.I Alliance leaders.
"Suddenly, all of Rahul Gandhi's sanctimonious preachings about the Constitution and ensuring the welfare and rights of the South Carolina community have ceased. Instead of taking action, DMK-INDI Alliance-Congress ally Kamal Haasan , went and rubbed salt in the wounds of the victim's families blaming them instead of the corrupt nexus of illicit liquor mafia and DMK-
INDI alliance officials,” he claimed. “He even alluded to giving the people of the area “psychiatric counselling”. Instead of providing succor and relief, SC victims are being shamed by their allies. Time to act, Kharge ji. Empty words, selling false narratives and hollow promises will not undo the Anyay launched on the SC victims and their families by the DMK-INDI Alliance government,” Nadda added.
The BJP president in his letter to Kharge said the nation wants him to put pressure on the Tamil Nadu government to launch a CBI probe and ensure immediate removal of Muthuswamy as minister.
"At this juncture, the BJP and the entire nation demand that pressure be put on the Tamil Nadu government of the DMK-INDI Alliance to launch a CBI probe and ensure the immediate removal of Thiru Muthuswamy as minister. We also demand on behalf of the families of the victims to increase the compensation to a reasonable level that can ensure that these families have adequate support. We seek that Thiru MK Stalin, who is also the Home Minister of Tamil Nadu, visit the families and the area and ensure a. strict crackdown on corrupt officials instead of patronizing them and blatantly defending them," he said. "We also urge you to go after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, visit the families of the victims or at least muster the courage to speak up. their voice on this issue instead of maintaining a hypocritical, selective and humiliating silence," Nadda added.
"Finally, there seems to be an inclination towards the illegal liquor business and Sharab Ghotala among many of the members of your I.N.D.I. Alliance. Such inclinations harm the nation and the society. You should purge your alliance of such elements, which go against of the basic philosophies of Mahatma. Gandhi ji, who was strictly against alcohol consumption and indulged in patronizing illicit liquor trade or liquor scams," he said.
"Finally, I invite you to join our leaders in a black gang protest against this 'state-sponsored disaster' in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside Prerna Sthal within the Parliament premises," Nadda added in his letter .
