BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala for proposing a tax reduction on low-alcohol content beverages in the Budget. Trivedi referred to this move as a dark moment in the history of Congress surrendering national interests. He accused the Congress of a series of surrenders, including to the Muslim League and China.
Trivedi also accused the previous Congress-led Centre of nearly surrendering Assam to China and highlighted instances where Congress allegedly compromised India’s interests. He specifically mentioned instances like surrendering Mansarovar to China and Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka without consulting stakeholders.
The BJP leader criticized the UDF government in Kerala for reducing excise duty on low-alcohol liquor by more than half. He accused the Congress of trying to lure the youth into alcohol consumption and claimed that the surplus money would benefit liquor traders. Trivedi questioned the logic behind reducing government revenue at a time when the state is facing challenges like the drug menace.
Referring to Kerala Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s concerns about the drug issue in the state, Trivedi questioned the decision to reduce excise duty. He also directed questions at Rahul Gandhi, asking about the impact on the youth and the future of Kerala. Trivedi labeled the previous LDF and current UDF governments in Kerala as two sides of the same coin, criticizing them for promoting alcohol consumption among the youth.
