Members of the AIADMK on Tuesday staged a walkout over the government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court directive on the closure of liquor outlets by National Highways.
Minister for Public Works A. Namassivayam, while replying to a query by AIADMK member Vayyapuri Manikandan on the issue, said as many as 163 outlets were closed in the Union Territory after the Supreme Court issued its order.
Mr. Namassivayam, who also holds the Excise portfolio, said subsequently, 43 of those units were allowed to shift to other locations. Intervening in the issue, AIADMK floor leader A. Anbalagan said the government had no clear liquor policy and was violating rules while implementing the SC order.
He sought a clarification from the Minister on what category the stretch from Kalapet to Rajiv Gandhi Square would fall under.
As the Minister did not give a proper clarification, the AIADMK leader said the government was not following any rules. He said as many as 12 outlets were functioning in his constituency. He, along with his fellow legislators, staged a walkout.
