Tax Cut on Low-Alcohol Liquor: Muslim League Hardens Stand Against Government

Thiruvananthapuram: Muslim League president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal has publicly criticised the government's decision to grant a tax concession on low-strength liquor, calling it a contradiction at a time when the government is simultaneously pursuing anti-narcotics initiatives such as "Operation Toofan."

His reaction came in an article titled "Let Drug-Free Villages Be Born." He noted that even as Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala pushes forward with anti-narcotics campaigns, the new budget announcement has caused considerable anxiety among the public.

He pointed out that the government has an obligation to give a clear response on the matter, adding that the liquor policy decision has triggered strong protest even within the ruling front itself. Allegations have emerged earlier that the decision was taken unilaterally by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, with even the Excise Minister reportedly unaware of it. Following this, Minister M Liju is said to have met the Chief Minister to discuss the issue.

Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran has also written to the Chief Minister on the matter, while Congress leader Jinto John openly criticised the manner in which the decision was taken, saying it was not arrived at democratically.

Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal said discussions would be held at the party level to resolve the issue. Former minister M B Rajesh alleged that the move was aimed at benefiting the liquor lobby in Karnataka. The Opposition has decided to move an adjournment motion against the budget's liquor policy, to be led by K N Balagopal.