Kerala Minister Alleges Sharp Rise in Bars Under Previous LDF Government

Kerala's Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, O.J. Janeesh, has alleged that the number of bars in the state increased significantly during the ten-year rule of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Speaking to reporters in Thrissur on Friday, June 26, Mr. Janeesh stated that the count rose from 29 to 884 under the LDF administration.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to queries about proposed changes to the state's liquor policy. He clarified that the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government has not yet announced its liquor policy and that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier told the Assembly that the policy would be finalised only after discussions within the UDF coalition.

Mr. Janeesh also claimed that the first request for a tax reduction on the company's products was made by CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan during his tenure as Excise Minister. “The reduction in tax on foreign liquor in Kerala is part of a process that began in 2021,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that what has been proposed so far is only a tax proposal, not the government's liquor policy. Whether the proposal will be implemented depends on the outcome of discussions within the UDF and the party, he added. “The Chief Minister has made it clear that if the proposal is found suitable after deliberations, it will be implemented. If not, it will not be implemented,” Mr. Janeesh said, noting that a final decision will be taken only after consultations are completed.