DMK asks if PMK did enough to combat tobacco

In continuing war of words, DMK today asked if PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss had taken action to halt tobacco production while the latter reiterated his demand for an open debate with DMK leader M K Stalin on development politics.
DMK mouthpiece "Murasoli" in a write up sought to know if Anbumani Ramadoss had acted on the matter while taking on PMK, which has been targeting it on various issues.
PMK has been campaigning steadfastly on the issues of halting tobacco use and bringing in prohibition.
"Tobacco smoking is considered more harmful than alcohol use. Did he (Anbumani) stop (production) it fully as a Union Health Minister," the article asked.

It sarcastically wanted to know if Anbumani had quit his office as Union Health Minister during UPA-I "after fighting to halt cigarette production."
Seeking to blunt PMK offensive on DMK which relaxed total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, the article said it was done by it with a "heavy heart" to halt illicit liquor and consequent deaths of poor people due to its consumption.

DMK chief Karunanidhi eased out prohibition in Tamil Nadu during his stint as Chief Minister during 1969-76.
The write up also mocked PMK chief Ramadoss and his son and party chief ministerial candidate for the 2016 assembly polls Anbumani Ramadoss by likening them to popular Tamil comedy actor pair Koundamani and Senthil for their political flip-flops.

Anbumani, meanwhile, listed out his "achievements" on several spheres, including as a Union Health Minster and as a green activist, reiterating his demand for an open debate with Stalin.
"Mention what more qualifications [achievements] need I posses if you should come for an open debate with me,?" he asked in his third letter to Stalin today after listing out his qualifications and achievements.
Stalin had said reportedly said "he did not read unnecessary letters and will not debate with unqualified persons" while answering reporters' queries related to Anbumani's letters to him urging him to participate in a debate on development politics.

After Stalin first wrote an open letter to Chief Minister O Panneerselvam days ago hitting out at him and his government, Anbumani penned a missive to the DMK treasurer inviting him for a debate and blamed his party too for the state of affairs in Tamil Nadu.
He claimed only PMK could be a credible alternative to two major Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK.