Makkal Needhi Maiam's leader, Kamal Haasan addressed people during the application process event to join his party in the party office in Alwarpet, Chennai. While answering some students' questions, he addressed his previous statement that there cannot be a complete ban on liquor. He said, "It is shameful that what a private body should be running is being run by the government," referring to TASMAC. Kamal stated that TASMAC is not an essential service, but the government has made it essential for Tamil Nadu. "The reason why I said that there cannot be a complete ban on liquor is not to see everyone drink and go to waste. You have all started drinking, so to not go to waste, only regulations can be made and not a complete ban," said Kamal.