State government not discussing alcohol policy, says MV Govindan, alcohol policy, Kerala government, mv govindan, latest news

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary MV Govindan has rejected the Congress-led opposition UDF’s allegations over the state’s liquor policy controversy.

Govindan categorically stated that the government has not initiated any discussion or consideration regarding its alleged plans to scrap the ‘dry day’ norm in the state.

However, he stated that there is a campaign to suggest that certain decisions have been made and are being implemented which, in his opinion, do not accurately reflect the truth.

He emphasized that alcohol consumption in the country is not increasing, but decreasing, as indicated by data from the UDF period. He noted, however, that there was no discussion about alcohol policy.

Responding to the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Excise Minister MB Rajesh, Govindan alleged that some political factions were spreading baseless rumors about discussions that never took place, saying these claims had no basis.

Replying to a question on whether LDF had accepted any funds from bar owners, he said, “I am not saying that we have not collected funds. Just as we raise funds from everyone, we were also able to raise funds from them. Nothing. what’s surprising about it. This isn’t an electoral bond, is it? We would raise funds from everyone.”