Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has rejected the LDF’s allegations over the tax for low-alcohol beverages. He called the claims false. He said the previous LDF government started the policy and prepared the tax plan.
Previous LDF Government Started the Process
Satheesan said the LDF government created the low-alcohol beverage category. It did so after receiving an application from Bacardi India Ltd.
The government later changed the rules. It also prepared the tax proposal using the Udayabhanu Commission’s recommendations. Elections came before the government could finish the process.
UDF Fixed the Tax After Study
The Chief Minister said the UDF government studied similar policies in other states. Only after that did it fix the tax.
He denied all claims of links with liquor companies. He said the Opposition had no proof to support its allegations.
Tax Does Not Mean Sale Approval
Satheesan said the tax decision does not allow the sale of low-alcohol beverages in Kerala. He said the government will make that decision separately. The UDF will take the final call after discussing the issue.
CM Hits Back at the Opposition
Satheesan questioned the LDF’s stand. He asked why the Opposition was silent when its own government fixed a 78% tax on premium liquor brands such as Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal. He said the LDF should answer questions about its own decisions before making allegations.
Liquor Policy Remains a Political Issue
The Chief Minister also criticised the previous LDF government. He said the number of bars increased from 28 in 2016 to more than 900 during its rule.
He said the LDF has no moral right to question the UDF’s liquor policy.
Satheesan also said the government follows official procedures for every decision. He added that government files stay in government offices.
The issue has sparked a fresh political fight in Kerala. The debate over the state’s liquor policy is likely to continue in the coming days.