Prakash Karat says LDF will review liquor policy

Kottayam: The LDF will review the liquor policy of the state if it comes to power, according to  former CPM general secretary, Prakash Karat. “The  LDF  will have a fresh look at the liquor policy of the state in line with the regulation of liquor consumption. The LDF government will put in place an effective policy so as to reduce liquor consumption,” he told reporters at the press club here on Monday.

Mr Karat said that the Left  front was aiming at defeating the Congress and also isolating the BJP to prevent it from gaining any ground in the state. He welcomed the suggestion of senior Congress leader A.K. Antony that the communal forces should be resisted unitedly though  he termed it as impractical.

Mr Karat  ruled out an understanding with the Congress  saying it did not have any ideological or political resources to counter the BJP. “The statement of Antony is good though  without any basis. The people of Kerala look at the CPM and Left candidates as better equipped to fight  the BJP. Therefore,  the issue of supporting the Congress candidates does not arise,”  he said.   He warned that there was  an ‘unprincipled’ understanding  between the Congress and the BJP  in certain seats in the state.

Referring to the CPM pact with the  Congress in West Bengal, Mr Karat said,  “in Bengal we have an alliance with them due to the specific political situation prevailing there.  Therefore,  we decided on the unity of all the non-Trinamool Congress, non-BJP forces.  The CPM understanding with the Congress will be reviewed after the elections,” he added.