Kovan’s release a victory for those who support prohibition

TRICHY: It is a victory for those people in TN whose feelings against liquor found resonance in Kovan’s songs, say supporters of the folk singer who got bail after being in jail for more than two weeks. His organisation Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam is planning a reception for Kovan when he comes out of jail.
S Sivadas alias Kovan was charged with sedition after a couple of his televised songs on the internet went viral, criticizing chief minister J Jayalalithaa for what he called her “pro-liquor” policy.
“Our songs have always tried to capture the angst of the people of Tamil Nadu who were victims of the ill effects of liquor. We, along with Kovan, raised the pitch for prohibition in the state. Kovan coming out on bail will be the next step towards our victory in the battle against the bottle,” said M Sathya, 44, a member of the central art committee of Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam, of which Kovan is a member.
His son Charuvagan, 24, an aspiring lawyer, said the bail for his father after days of police and judicial custody was not a complete victory. “I thank all the supporters and former judge Markandeya Katju for his letter to the President of India seeking the release of my father. We will keep fighting for our goal of a liquor-free state,” said Charuvagan.
Unsatisfied by the bail, Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam now plans to move the Madras high court seeking quashing of the case against Kovan.
“We will continue our protests until all liquors shops in the state are closed,” said Trichy district secretary of group M Jeeva who has planned a reception for Kovan in Chennai on Tuesday.