In its manifesto, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has reiterated its stand in favour of total prohibition, a demand not shared by other constituents of the DMK-led front.

The manifesto, released on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) by party general secretary Vaiko, said it was the party’s policy that Tamil Nadu should be free from liquor and other drugs “responsible for the degeneration of youth”. “Vaiko undertook a 1,500-km walk to highlight the issue,” it noted.

It further stated that alcohol had destroyed the lives of young people, while drugs smuggled into the State through sea routes had severely affected students. “We will urge the State and Union governments to strengthen border controls to prevent the smuggling of drugs,” the manifesto added.

According to the document, drinking habits among youth was one of the causes of crimes against women. “We will take steps to enact a law providing for life imprisonment for such offenders, as they are unfit to live in civil society,” the party said.

Advocating measures to strengthen public transport, which it said was incurring a daily loss of ₹18.9 crore, the party proposed the creation of a social obligation fund to support free bus travel for women. It also suggested direct budgetary reimbursement for social welfare schemes and the introduction of more electric vehicles.

Pointing out that the transport of minerals from Tamil Nadu to other States had deprived the State of its resources and led to accidents, the party said it would seek a ban on it. 

The manifesto also called for creation of a separate legal wing to retrieve temple land, online publication of temple accounts, identification of temples eligible for UNESCO recognition, and conduct of pujas in Tamil at all temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.