TIRUCHY: Facing criticisms from opposition parties that the prevalence of narcotics was the reason behind a spate of crimes, including the recent attack on a worker from Odisha by a gang of juveniles, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said communal politics was a more dangerous addiction than alcohol and urged all to work in unison to prevent the entry of both in Tamil Nadu.

Chief Minister Stalin was addressing the gathering before flagging off the ‘Samathuva Nadai Payanam’ (walk for equality) by MDMK general secretary Vaiko in Tiruchy.

Listing his government’s initiatives to curb the movement of drugs, Stalin said all States should work hand-in-hand with the Union government to control the menace. The State police have been extending full support to the Centre to tackle the issue, he said, adding that the efforts have borne results.

The Chief Minister also appeared to the film industry to avoid glorifying drugs in films and instead create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse to save the younger generation.

However, Stalin said, drugs and alcohol are not the only addictions that are ruining the people and society at large. “Communal politics is an even more dangerous addiction than alcohol, and we all must unite to prevent the entry of both in Tamil Nadu so as to ensure harmony,” he said.

Many, including Union Ministers, are peddling hate speeches and instigating clashes among people in the name of caste and religion.

“For their personal benefit, they divide people and even go to the extent of instigating clashes among people. As a result, the Christians, Muslims, Scheduled Castes, and backwardcommunities are living in fear in the country. The attacks in several areas during Christmas celebrations are examples of this. This was not the situation in the country a few years ago,” said Stalin.

Lauding Vaiko for undertaking the march, the DMK president said both of them were students of the Dravidian movement, which is always concerned about the youth, their growth, and their future.