The Tamil Nadu BJP has once again found itself at the center of a political controversy, with prominent party leaders, including state president K. Annamalai and Tamilisai Soundararajan, arrested by police ahead of a planned protest at the headquarters of Tasmac, the state-run liquor retail monopoly. The protest was aimed at demanding the closure of Tasmac outlets and the implementation of stricter measures to curb alcohol consumption in Tamil Nadu.

The incident unfolded on March 17, 2025, as BJP leaders had gathered outside the Tasmac headquarters in Chennai, hoping to voice their concerns regarding the state’s liquor distribution policies. They were soon surrounded by a heavy police presence, and before they could initiate the protest, they were detained for causing public disturbances.

Annamalai, who has been a vocal critic of the Tamil Nadu government’s handling of the state’s liquor trade, claimed that the government’s policies have only led to the proliferation of alcoholism and social unrest. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who had previously served as the Tamil Nadu Governor, was also seen addressing the crowd before her arrest.

This protest, which has now escalated into a major political incident, is part of the BJP’s ongoing campaign against the ruling DMK’s governance. The party has long accused the DMK of fostering a “liquor-driven” economy, with Tasmac outlets serving as a significant source of revenue for the state.

As the BJP leaders were taken into custody, the protests continued, with party workers accusing the police of high-handedness and claiming that the arrests were politically motivated to suppress dissent.

The confrontation is likely to further intensify the ongoing political war between the BJP and DMK, with both parties trading barbs over issues of governance and social welfare. It remains to be seen whether this incident will have a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape in the coming months.