Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi regarding the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu, which resulted in the deaths of over 50 people and the hospitalization of nearly 200 others.
Sitharaman said, “More than 200 people are still in hospital in a critical stage. 56 people have died and most of them are from the scheduled caste… I condemn the incident. I am shocked that the Congress has not uttered a word against this. In a state where licensed liquor is available from shops run by the government called ‘TASMAC’.”
She added, “Despite that, in the middle of the city of Kallakurichi chemical-based illicit liquor is served… Where is the Congress party, President Mallikarjun Kharge?… Where is Rahul Gandhi?… He contests elections just because he is assured that he will win… When Dalits are dying because of spurious liquor, not a statement comes from Rahul Gandhi… I demand that this whole matter be given to the CBI for investigation.”
The Congress, part of the ruling alliance with DMK in Tamil Nadu, faces criticism from BJP for INDIA bloc leaders’ silence on the issue. BJP urges them to show repentance by gathering at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament for a moment of silence for the lives lost.
BJP MP-elect Sambit Patra stated at a press briefing, “More than 56 people have died… many are still critical. More than 40 of those who died consuming spurious liquor are Dalits. This is state-sponsored murder, and I am surprised that the Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sonia Gandhi, leaders of the DMK and those of other constituents of the ‘INDI Alliance’ are silent on it.”
The Tamil Nadu government under MK Stalin’s leadership has initiated a judicial investigation into the incident. Retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas has been appointed to lead the inquiry, with a mandate to deliver a report within three months.
