‘Could have been avoided’: Congress leader Sudheeran blames lack of consultation for liquor row

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran has openly criticised the controversy surrounding the proposed reduction of tax on low-alcohol liquor in Kerala, saying the matter should have been thoroughly discussed at both the party and United Democratic Front (UDF) levels before being introduced in the Assembly.

Reacting to the ongoing debate, Sudheeran said the current situation could have been avoided if consultations had taken place earlier. He pointed out that the declared policy of the Congress-led alliance has always been to curb alcohol consumption and combat the growing drug menace.

"The issue should have been discussed at the party and front level before it came to the Assembly. Had that happened, the present controversy could have been avoided," Sudheeran said.

His remarks came a day after Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan stated in the Assembly that a final decision on the proposal would be taken after discussions within the UDF. However, Sudheeran suggested that a clearer position could have been announced during the Assembly session itself.

Concerns over liquor policy

Sudheeran argued that Kerala had witnessed growing concerns over drug abuse in recent years and that any policy perceived as encouraging alcohol consumption could send the wrong message to society.

"The policy should be to reduce the spread and consumption of alcohol and fight against drugs. The spread of drugs had created an unhealthy atmosphere in Kerala. The Pinarayi government has only strengthened the spread of alcohol," he alleged.

He further said that anti-liquor organisations and social movements should have been consulted before formulating such a proposal.

"I had written to the Chief Minister requesting that the government's declared anti-alcohol policy be implemented in spirit. No decision should create an opportunity for the expansion of alcohol consumption," Sudheeran said.

The veteran Congress leader urged the government to drop the proposal while presenting the Finance Bill and warned against taking decisions that could damage public trust.

"This proposal should be omitted from the Finance Bill. That is the best course of action. No decision should tarnish the credibility of the government," he said.

Warning against repeating political mistakes

Sudheeran also linked the controversy to broader concerns about governance and public perception.

"Anti-people policies are the reason for the downfall of governments. That situation should not happen to the UDF. Decisions must be taken after discussions and consensus," he said.

He also questioned the government's stance on the black sand mining issue, recalling earlier assurances that mining activities would not be handed over to private players.

While criticising the liquor proposal, Sudheeran had words of appreciation for Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the police force for their efforts against drug trafficking.

"The Home Department is functioning effectively in matters related to drugs. I congratulate the police and the Home Minister," he said.

The comments highlight growing debate within political circles over Kerala's liquor policy, with the controversy emerging as a key issue ahead of further discussions within the UDF.