Veteran Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran has criticized the Kerala government, led by V.D. Satheesan, for its proposed tax structure on low-alcohol beverages in the State Budget. Sudheeran, known for his opposition to liquor proliferation and mineral sand mining, has publicly demanded the removal of this provision during the introduction of the Finance Bill in the Assembly.
Sudheeran, a former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president, Lok Sabha member, Speaker, and Minister, raised concerns about the government’s approach to the tax structure for low alcohol beverages and also questioned the state’s mining policy. He emphasized the need for discussions within the Congress and the UDF before incorporating such proposals in the Budget.
Expressing his discontent, Sudheeran highlighted the importance of policy decisions being made after thorough consultations to avoid controversies. He stated that he had already communicated his reservations to the Chief Minister and the Excise Minister, emphasizing the unresolved public doubts and concerns surrounding the proposal.
Sudheeran’s intervention holds significance as he has a history of advocating against liquor when the Congress is in power. Notably, during the Oommen Chandy government, he played a crucial role in the internal conflict over liquor policy that resulted in the closure of numerous bars in the state.
The veteran leader’s recent criticism also extends to the government’s mineral sand mining policy, where he called for a clear declaration against mining activities. Sudheeran urged the UDF leadership to uphold positions previously advocated by V.D. Satheesan while criticizing the former LDF government.
With Sudheeran openly questioning policy decisions, the UDF government faces the challenge of managing dissent from one of the party’s longstanding conscience-keepers.
