Keralam Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday voiced strong objections to the state government's proposed liquor policy, alleging that the plan had not been properly discussed within the ruling coalition and could pave the way for widespread irregularities.
Vijayan said the manner in which the proposal was being advanced lacked transparency and warned that it could have significant social, political and administrative implications for the state.
Speaking to reporters, Vijayan criticised what he described as a hasty and inadequately consulted policy initiative. "The government is creating an opportunity for the expansion of liquor sales, which poses a serious threat to the state. This is an issue of immense public importance. Such a decision should have been taken only after a detailed discussion within the ruling front and after arriving at a clear consensus. However, the UDF has not held any such discussion," he said.
Questioning the government's urgency in pursuing the proposal, Vijayan alleged that the insistence on implementing the policy warranted closer scrutiny and hinted at the possibility of vested interests.
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"No government in Keralam has ever created a situation like this, where liquor would be made so widely available. The Chief Minister appears determined to go ahead with the proposal. His reply clearly suggests that the government intends to implement it. The question is, why is the Chief Minister so insistent? That is where the issue of corruption arises. The circumstances are highly suspicious," he said.
Vijayan further accused the government of attempting to sideline the Legislature by granting excessive authority to the executive, arguing that such an approach could weaken institutional accountability and create opportunities for large-scale corruption.
"This is also an attempt to place the executive above the Legislature. It creates the possibility of large-scale corruption. The government is beginning its tenure with a major corruption controversy. Once the Bill is passed, there will be no obstacle to implementing it," he asserted.
Clarifying his party's stand on alcohol-related production, Vijayan said his government had never engaged in discussions with global liquor company Bacardi. Instead, he maintained that its policy had been to encourage the production of wine from locally grown fruits, vegetables and grains to support agricultural value addition.
"We never held any discussions with Bacardi. Our policy was to encourage the production of wine from fruits, vegetables and grains. Why is this being pushed through in such a concealed manner? Whose interests are being served? Our protest against this decision will continue. We cannot agree with it," Vijayan added.
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