Speaker refutes claims over silence on LDF liquor policy

Kerala Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Sunday rejected allegations that he had failed to oppose changes to the State’s liquor policy during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime.

Speaking to reporters in Kottayam, Mr. Radhakrishnan said he had strongly objected to the proposal to reduce taxes on liquor when it came up before the Assembly Subject Committee in 2022. He added that he had personally conveyed his opposition to the then Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.

“As many as three files came up before the Subject Committee at the time. The first related to a proposal to reduce the tax on a premium liquor brand, while the other two dealt with permitting bar licences in IT hubs and moves to encourage gambling. I recorded my strong objections to all three proposals, and my stand on these issues remains unchanged,” he said.

He also added that when the minutes of the Subject Committee meeting were initially prepared without recording any dissent, he intervened personally to ensure that his objections were formally incorporated into the official records.

‘Consistent stance’

Referring to the ongoing controversy over the State’s liquor policy, Mr. Radhakrishnan alleged that a false campaign was being carried out to portray him as having remained silent during the committee’s deliberations in 2022. He said it was evident who was behind the propaganda and reiterated that his position on the liquor policy had remained consistent throughout.