Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran questions Kerala UDF govt’s tax cut on low-alcohol beverages

Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran on Thursday publicly questioned the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s decision to reduce tax on low-alcohol beverages, saying the proposal should have been discussed within the Congress and the UDF before being incorporated into the Revised Budget.

Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, Mr. Sudheeran said the lack of prior consultation had led to an avoidable controversy.

“Had the issue been discussed at the party and front levels before the Budget proposal was made, this unnecessary controversy could have been avoided,” he said.

Recalling the promise in the UDF’s election manifesto, Mr. Sudheeran said the Congress manifesto had pledged to curb the spread and consumption of liquor and intensify the fight against substance abuse. “The UDF government should honour the commitment it made to the people,” he said.

Mr. Sudheeran urged the government to drop the proposal relating to the liquor policy when the Finance Bill is introduced in the Assembly as part of the Budget. “That would be the proper course. The government should not take decisions that undermine its credibility. In a democracy, course corrections are always healthy,” he said.

He also criticised the previous LDF government, alleging that its policies had contributed to the expansion of liquor sales in the State.

The senior Congress leader also raised concerns over the government’s response to the proposed mineral sand mining project. He said the Chief Minister’s statements had created doubts and asserted that mineral sand mining should not be permitted along the stat’s coast under any circumstances.

He also opposed any move to privatise mineral sand mining, arguing that it would benefit corporate monopolies. “The government should address the genuine concerns of the people. Corrective measures strengthen, rather than weaken, the credibility of a democratic government,” he added.