UDF stand on liquor tax cut may force Kerala govt to rethink move, says Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan

Congress leader and Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan on Thursday said the Kerala government “may have to reconsider” its decision to reduce liquor tax on low-alcohol beverages, “with the UDF’s stand on the issue now becoming almost clear.”

He said the liquor tax cut could not be implemented without discussion within the UDF and without its approval. The Chief Minister, he said, had already understood the opposition raised against the move. Mr. Unnithan pointed out that the Chief Minister himself had made it clear that the announcement would be withdrawn if the party and the UDF said the decision was not needed.

His remarks came amid criticism from various quarters over the government’s move on the tax cut.

Mr. Unnithan said the government should move ahead on such issues “only after taking into account public concerns and possible social consequences.”

PM-SHRI ‘dangerous’ to Kerala

He also criticised the Centre’s PM-SHRI scheme, describing it as “dangerous” to Kerala’s education sector and likely to have harmful consequences for future generations. He alleged that it was the Left government that had first attempted to implement the scheme in Kerala.

Mr. Unnithan said the subcommittee constituted on the issue would examine all aspects and take an appropriate decision.