Wed Sep 18 03:53:00 UTC 2024: ## VCK Leader Rebuts BJP Criticism of Liquor Prohibition Conference
**VELLORE:** Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan on Tuesday dismissed criticism of the upcoming liquor prohibition conference as politically motivated. He accused critics, including BJP leaders L Murugan and Tamilisai Soundararajan, of having hidden agendas.
Thirumavalavan responded to Murugan’s claims that the DMK and VCK were putting on an act during their meeting on Monday, asserting that he has the courage to work with various parties for social causes, citing past collaborations with both DMK and AIADMK on issues like the Eelam Tamils.
He stressed that the liquor prohibition conference, scheduled for October 2nd – Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary – is solely focused on social reform and not election strategy. “There are still over 15 months for the election. We will discuss electoral matters only then,” he added.
The call for liquor prohibition has intensified following the tragic Kallakurichi hooch incident, which claimed the lives of 65 people who consumed illegal arrack.
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