Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary MV Govindan on Friday accused Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of adopting "double standards", citing his response to a ruling UDF MLA's request for a local holiday in the Assembly and a remark he allegedly made immediately afterwards.

The criticism comes amid a row over an exchange in the Assembly involving Reji Cheriyan, the Kuttanad MLA from Kerala Congress, a constituent of the ruling UDF.

Govindan alleged that Satheesan had taken contradictory positions on several issues, including PM SHRI schools, mineral sand mining and the state's liquor policy. He said the latest Assembly episode showed that the Chief Minister had not changed despite assuming office.

Assembly exchange over Kuttanad holiday sparks row

The controversy began when Reji Cheriyan requested a local holiday for Kuttanad taluk on June 29 to mark the Moolam boat race.

Responding in the Assembly, Satheesan said the government's general policy was not to declare new public, local or restricted holidays. He, however, said the request for a local holiday in Kuttanad would be examined before a decision was taken. However, the Chief Minister was then heard telling the minister seated beside him that the holiday would not be granted "under any circumstances".

The alleged remark has since drawn criticism from CPM leaders, who accused Satheesan of saying one thing on the Assembly floor and another immediately afterwards.

Referring to the episode, Govindan alleged that it reflected a pattern in the Chief Minister's conduct.

"Double standards have become VD Satheesan's hallmark. We had pointed this out earlier. We expected that he would change after becoming Chief Minister. However, his reply to the Kuttanad MLA and what followed showed that he is not prepared to change," Govindan said.

Govindan raises mining and liquor policy issues

Govindan accused the Chief Minister of taking inconsistent positions on mineral sand mining.

"He says mining will be privatised in public but tells the Assembly that it will not be privatised," Govindan alleged.

On the state's liquor policy, Govindan claimed Satheesan had made contradictory statements about the government's position.

"He said no discussions were currently under way. He had also stated that once the UDF decides on the liquor policy, a decision will be made on whether or not to implement what was passed in the budget. The budget was passed offering substantial concessions. The treasury will incur a loss of around Rs 600 crore. It remains to be seen how this will move forward now," he said.

Govindan further alleged that companies such as Bacardi would no longer face difficulty in securing benefits under the government's policy.

He also claimed that the Chief Minister had referred to a file in the Assembly to divert attention from the issue.

"It was good that the contents of the file came out. Otherwise, people might have wrongly believed that the previous Left government had done something improper," Govindan said.

CPM defends previous government's discussions

Govindan also defended discussions held by the previous Left government on producing low-alcohol beverages from agricultural produce.

He said the government had explored manufacturing such beverages using cashew apples, vegetables and other agricultural produce that would otherwise go to waste. According to him, the proposal had the potential to benefit farmers.

Govindan said a letter from Bacardi was received while those discussions were under way.

"I replied seeking clarity on the definition of low-alcohol beverages and said an effective technical assessment and report should be obtained," he said.