Kerala Assembly session begins: Bar bribery row takes centre stage; UDF demands vigilance probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The 11th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday, with the spotlight on bar bribery row. 

The UDF-led Opposition is poised to raise issues related to the liquor policy in the assembly. Congress MLA Roji M. John submitted a notice seeking an adjournment motion on the matter, while Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan issued a letter demanding a vigilance probe. The session kicked off with the question-answer session, followed by a brief pause for group photos. The liquor policy matter is slated to be discussed during the zero hour.

Both the exercise minister and tourism minister are likely to reiterate that there have been no discussions to revise the liquor policy. However, the opposition appears determined in its intent to challenge the LDF government, arguing that a recent meeting convened by KTDC. MD aimed to amend the liquor policy. An audio clip featuring the president of the bar owners' association in the Idukki district discussing the liquor policy is expected to give more teeth to opposition.

The allegations under the spotlight are similar to those levelled against K.M. Mani during the tenure of the UDF government.