DMK's Elangovan accuses BJP of politicizing Tamil Nadu Kallakurichi hooch tragedy

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)/New Delhi [India] June 24 (ANI): Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan has accused the BJP of politicizing the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, claiming they are using the incident to gain an advantage in the upcoming July 10 Vikravandi by-election.
Elangovan also criticized the BJP's demand for a CBI probe in the deaths connected to the alleged consumption of illicit liqour, suggesting it was a tactic by the opposition party to coerce individuals into joining them.
The DMK leader was responding to BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla who dubbed the the deaths of 57 people due to illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu as "state-sponsored murder" and demanded a CBI investigation, questioning the silence of Congress leaders on the issue.
Elangovan countered by accusing the BJP of politicizing the tragedy to gain an advantage in the Vikravandi by-election.
"CM had made a statement in the assembly. He has given a statement about what steps the government has taken in this regard and how many people were suspended and transferred." Elangovan added.
He further accused the BJP of demanding a CBI probe to pin the blame on someone and later use the threat of the case to force them into joining the BJP in exchange for withdrawing the charges. He referred to this tactic as their "washing machine technique."
The death toll from the tragedy has risen to 57, with 156 people receiving treatment in various government hospitals across Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced financial support for the education and welfare of children who lost parents due to the tragedy. The CB-CID of Tamil Nadu Police, led by SP Shantharam, is investigating the incident, and seven people have been arrested so far.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the tragedy and hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, BJP's Poonawalla accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy. He criticized them for staging a demonstration in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament premises while ignoring Gandhi's principle of a liquor ban.

"The saying 'Sau Chuhe Khakar Billi Haj Ko Chali' is being proven when a few leaders of the Opposition and INDI Alliance are going for a demonstration in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue. Do it, but also tell us what was the biggest principle of Mahatma Gandhi. He wanted a liquor ban and freedom from the drug menace", the BJP leader said.
The 18th Session of Lok Sabha began in the national capital today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath as the member of the House.
Meanwhile, seven-term MP Bhartruhari Mahtab who was appointed as pro-tem Speaker was administered oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapathi Bhavan. (ANI)