Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh's claim that no preliminary discussion took place regarding reforms in the state's liquor policy is now under scrutiny, as evidence suggests otherwise.

The Deputy Director of the Tourism Marketing Wing had scheduled a Zoom meeting on May 21. The official also sent the link, password, and invitations for the online meeting presided by the Tourism Director. According to that communique, the meeting was convened to discuss the renewal of the excise policy and to gather suggestions for Kerala Tourism. V. Sunilkumar, State President of the Federation of Kerala Hotel Association (FKHA), was among the invitees.

The meeting plan indicates the government's intent to modify the liquor policy. It has been reported that bar owners had information about the Zoom meeting and they had an ad-hoc meeting to discuss the proposed changes to the liquor policy.