Thrissur (Kerala), Jun 25 (PTI) Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran on Thursday renewed his opposition to the party-led UDF government’s proposal relating to low-alcohol beverages in the state budget, urging it to withdraw the measure when the Finance Bill is introduced.
He accused the V D Satheesan-led government of “moving ahead” without adequate consultation.
Replying to the three-day debate on the budget in the state Assembly on Wednesday, Satheesan had rejected allegations that the government had offered undue benefits to liquor companies through tax cuts.
Addressing reporters here, Sudheeran said the controversy surrounding the proposal could have been avoided if the issue had been discussed within the ruling coalition and among stakeholders before being taken to the Legislative Assembly.
He expressed hope that the objections and concerns surrounding this issue will likely be discussed in greater detail, and an appropriate decision is expected to be taken thereafter.
“In fact, such discussions should have taken place at the political and legal levels even before this proposal was introduced in the Legislative Assembly. Had that happened, many of the controversies that have now arisen could have been avoided,” Sudheeran said.
The former KPCC chief’s remarks came a day after the government indicated that no final decision had been taken on permitting low-alcohol beverages in the state and that a comprehensive liquor policy would be formulated only after consultations within the UDF coalition and with stakeholders.
Sudheeran maintained that the proposal should not have figured in the budget before a broader policy discussion.
The veteran Congress leader revealed that he had already written to the Chief Minister and the Excise Minister, seeking consultations with organisations involved in anti-alcohol campaigns and prohibition movements.
“In fact, on June 1, 2026, I had requested that discussions be held with organisations involved in anti-alcohol and prohibition movements. I had urged that a meaningful dialogue be conducted, incorporating their views and concerns, so that a realistic policy to curb alcohol consumption and oppose its spread could be implemented,” he said.
Sudheeran, who is considered close to Chief Minister Satheesan, said the government should remain committed to reducing alcohol consumption and combating drug abuse rather than adopting measures that could be perceived as encouraging liquor sales.
“As we all know, it is important to reduce the spread and consumption of alcohol and to wage a strong campaign against substance abuse. Steps must be taken to put an end to the social tragedies caused by alcohol consumption.
“In recent times, Kerala has witnessed a deeply troubling situation due to the increasing spread of alcohol and narcotics, creating a very unhealthy social environment,” he said.
Calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposal, Sudheeran asserted that discussions should follow only after that step is taken.
“First and foremost, the proposals in question should be withdrawn before proceeding with any further discussions. That has been our consistent position from the very beginning.” “We have always maintained that this decision must be withdrawn. Therefore, the most appropriate course of action would be to revoke the decision first and then hold detailed consultations,” he said.
He stressed that the issue was not beyond correction since the proposal had not yet become law.
“This proposal has not yet been passed. It still has to go through the Finance Bill and the appropriation process before it can take effect. Therefore, there is still an opportunity to make changes at this stage,” he pointed out.
Sudheeran also appealed to the government to protect its credibility by acting transparently and avoiding decisions that create public suspicion.
“Every decision taken and every action initiated by the government should be carried out in a manner that preserves its credibility and public trust. No decision should cast a shadow over the government’s reputation or undermine its credibility,” he said.
He added that policy decisions should be explained openly and implemented only after proper consultation, instead of creating avoidable controversies. “Each decision should be made with transparency and accountability, openly explaining the reasons behind it,” he observed.
Despite his criticism of the proposal, Sudheeran praised the government’s handling of narcotics enforcement, saying the Home Department, headed by senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, was doing commendable work in tackling the drug menace.
Referring to the Congress election manifesto, he said the party had promised to formulate programmes and implement measures to free Kerala from the growing threat posed by alcohol and narcotic drugs.
“This is a commitment that was made to the people,” he said.
Repeating his appeal, Sudheeran urged the government to use the presentation of the Finance Bill as an opportunity to remove the controversial proposal for tax cut for low-alcohol beverages.
“When the Finance Bill is introduced, this proposal should be omitted and the Bill should be presented without it. That would be the most appropriate way forward,” he said. PTI TGB ROH
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