LDF for practical changes, but won’t dilute stir

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s announcement on the proposed changes in phased liquor policy has not only created divisions within the ruling UDF but also landed the Opposition LDF in a fix.

Right from the beginning the CPM leadership including state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had been stating that the policy was not practical.

He is also on record stating that consumption of liquor would not come down in the state because of prohibition.

Most CPM leaders are in favour of abstinence rather than prohibition but at the same time they are also apprehensive of liquor policy's impact on tourism sector.

Sources said though the Left leaders were not against Chandy’s stand on making practical changes especially considering the concerns being expressed by various sections including tourism industry, politically the opposition wants to corner the government alleging that the proposed alterations are aimed at helping bar owners.

The LDF strategy is to club the proposed changes in policy with the bar bribe issue and strengthen its agitation against Finance Minister K M Mani.

A section of leaders said the CPM would resort to a state wide campaign ahead of the Assembly march on December 15, to drive home the point that the changes were being made placate bar owners.