In one of the most strong decisions taken ever in the history of Tamil Nadu,
a day after traditional sport Jallikattu’s revival, two most important trade organisations,
Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam and Tamil Nadu Traders Federation, has asked it’s members to not sell these these pepsi and cola.
“During the Jallikattu protest,we saw many youngsters talking against foreign products and we figured out that we have public support”, said Vellaiyan, the head of Tamil Nadu Traders Federation. It is the support that youth of TN had showed for the Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming game, that trading associations found confidence that this appeal would go well with it’s members and the general public. However, Vellaiyan also stated that this isn’t a Ban in actual terms, they have just requested the members not to sell these products and this includes every single product manufactured by these companies. In total there are 6,000 small and medium scale enterprises linked with Vanigar Sangam, and the number of it’s members is 1.5 million. Initially supermarket owners needed more time and hence
a meeting is scheduled at earliest node. All members showing their interest and following this boycott could cost a hefty loss of about 1,400 crores to these brands.
The reason behind this Boycott is quite simple and logical, TN right now is suffering through
the acute water shortage, these MNCs are using up the scarce water resources of the state. “The decision was taken to wean away the youth from MNC drinks that have killed domestic companies. These foreign companies are also using up scarce water resources”, added K Mohan, secretary of the Sangam. Also, the health benefits of these fresh fruit juices are well known to all. This move has potential to revive the taste of local fruit juices and thus, in turn help domestic industry. The Trader’s body also presented a set of complaints that they had received against these companies, they claimed that they have reports that such products contain pesticides and pose a threat to health.They also asked
to give a thought about the plight of few shop owners,who aren’t much financially stable to maintain the diktats required by the MNC drinks.
As the appeal is now made, it remains to be seen that if these trade organisations can
actually prevent members from selling these drinks as these enjoy undivided love by public and especially the youth.
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