The Left government in Kerala dismissed the Congress-led UDF’s call to file a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act regarding allegations of amendments to the state’s liquor policy.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the opposition’s demand during the state Assembly’s first session following the Lok Sabha elections.
In protest, the agitated opposition raised slogans against the LDF government and displayed placards while standing in front of Speaker A N Shamseer’s podium.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, representing the UDF, urged the CPI-led regime to register a corruption case in connection with the issue. However, Vijayan stated that a police investigation was already in progress. He accused the opposition of fabricating the argument to create the impression of wrongdoing in the state.
“The State Excise Minister himself had lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police as soon as he came across false news related to the state’s liquor policy,” Vijayan said. He added that an investigation was ongoing and appropriate action would be taken against any crimes committed. He questioned whether the opposition’s intent was to hinder the ongoing police probe.
Satheesan challenged the CM’s stance, questioning the reliability of a police probe based on a complaint from the Excise Minister, who is implicated in the alleged scam. “So, a case should be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The opposition will not compromise on this matter and will hold strong agitations inside and outside the House,” Satheesan added.
Following this, the opposition boycotted the House proceedings, continuing to raise slogans against the government and demanding the resignation of the Excise and Tourism ministers.
For over a month, the Congress has been alleging corruption within the Vijayan government regarding its liquor policy, claiming it was planning to amend the policy in exchange for bribes from bar owners. They highlighted that the matter was discussed in a recent meeting convened by the Chief Secretary and a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Tourism Director, both of which were later denied by the officials involved.
While the Congress-led UDF has accused the LDF government of taking bribes from bar owners, the Left maintains that no deliberations over the liquor policy have taken place. The controversy escalated after an audio clip aired on TV channels, purportedly featuring a bar association member soliciting money from other members for a favorable liquor policy.
The UDF has alleged that the Left government sought ₹20 crore from bar owners for a favorable policy and has demanded the resignation of Excise Minister M B Rajesh
