Thiruvananthapuram, June 22 (IANS) The controversy over the Kerala government’s budget proposals to promote production of low-strength liquor and explore mining activities along the state’s coastline has snowballed into a major political challenge for the V.D. Satheesan government, with senior Congress leaders stepping in to question the moves.

The issue gained further momentum after veteran Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran joined the debate, reviving memories of his strong interventions on liquor and sand mining policies during the previous Congress-led government.

Sudheeran, known for taking a firm stand on issues related to liquor and environmental concerns, has once again entered a politically sensitive space within the party.

His intervention comes days after the budget presented by Chief Minister Satheesan announced steps towards encouraging the production of low-strength liquor and examining the possibility of allowing mining activities in coastal areas.

The developments have triggered concerns within the Congress that the proposals could put the party in conflict with its traditional positions on prohibition-related issues and environmental protection.

The latest controversy also brings back memories of the 2011-16 tenure of the Oommen Chandy government, when Sudheeran, then state Congress President, had strongly opposed the liquor policy.

His sustained campaign had created political pressure within the government, eventually leading to the decision to shut down a large number of bars.

When the Chandy government completed its term, the number of operational bars in the state had fallen to less than three dozen.

Over the following decade, however, the liquor landscape changed significantly, with the number of bars increasing to close to 900 during the LDF government’s two terms.

Throughout the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s tenure, Sudheeran repeatedly wrote to the Chief Minister demanding a rethink of the liquor policy and urging stricter controls.

Now, with the Congress itself in power, his intervention could become a fresh challenge for the Satheesan government as it attempts to balance revenue considerations with the party’s social commitments.

The issue had already triggered a warning from Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, who said no one had the right to deviate from the Congress’s anti-liquor policy and stressed that sensitive policy decisions required wider party discussions.

Opposition parties have also seized on the controversy, alleging that the move would benefit liquor companies.

The government, meanwhile, has argued that the proposal is aimed at generating economic activity and improving revenue.

With party veterans, the high command and the Opposition all watching closely, the liquor policy debate has emerged as the first major political challenge for Satheesan.

–IANS

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