“No active discussions on alcohol policy” – the Minister of Excise announces strict actions against illegal fundraising

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Excise Minister MB Rajesh on Friday said that the state government will take stringent action against those trying to raise funds in exchange for favorable alcohol policy. He was responding to media queries following the publication of a voicemail sent by a member of the Federation of Kerala Hotel Associations, allegedly suggesting fundraising in exchange for favorable alcohol policies by the government.

“We will take stringent action against those who try to extort money from people in the name of the revised alcohol policy. Neither the government nor the tax authorities have started discussions on this matter yet. Due to the ongoing elections, we are delaying the decision on alcohol policy,” Rajesh said. The minister also wrote to the Chief Commander of the State Police with a request to initiate an investigation into the voice recording.

Animon suspended
Federation of Kerala Hotels Association president V Sunil Kumar also denied the bribery allegations.

“Animon’s voicemail is part of a larger conspiracy. We only asked members to donate money to the construction fund. We are planning to buy a building in Thiruvananthapuram. Animon will be suspended for acting against the interest of the federation,” Sunil Kumar said. . He added that only Rs 4.5 crore of the required amount of Rs 6.2 crore has been collected so far. Animon and some members of the Idukki chapter were opposed to the purchase from the beginning, he said.

In the leaked message, Animon, president of the Idukki district chapter of the Kerala Hotel Association Federation, can be heard demanding an amount of Rs 2.5 lakh from individuals. According to a transcript of a WhatsApp message purportedly sent by Animon to bar owners, these guidelines were conveyed on behalf of the organization’s state president. The development comes amid signs that the government was planning to announce a new alcohol policy that would take into account demands from bar owners, including avoiding dry days and extending operating hours.

“No one will help us without paying. Those who can pay Rs 2.5 lakh should do so. A new alcohol policy will be developed after the election, including changes to dry days. To achieve this, required funds must be provided,” Animon heard the message which was circulated on the WhatsApp group of Federation members from Idukki. This was later removed, but not before causing confusion in the industry.

Cong sharply criticizes the government
Congress state president K Sudhakaran on Friday alleged that the LDF government is formulating a new liquor policy after collecting Rs 25 crore from bar owners: “They are collecting Rs 2.5 lakh each from 900 bars. I heard that they collected a huge sum before the elections. Now they are collecting arrears. Extending bar opening hours, canceling dry days and opening pubs in IT centers will bring huge benefits to bar owners. Pinarayi Vijayan’s new alcohol policy will drown Kerala in alcohol cry as bar owners claim that former finance minister KM Mani took a bribe of Rs 1 crore from them. Due to this controversy, he had to resign,” Sudhakaran said.