Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition Congress in Kerala on Tuesday tried to create discord within the Left government by alleging that the tourism department was encroaching on the authority of the excise department on liquor policy.
Leader of opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan questioned why the tourism department led by minister PA Mohammed Riyas was "interfering" in the liquor policy, which falls under the jurisdiction of the excise department led by his cabinet colleague MB Rajesh. .
"Hijacking is going on...What right or business does the Tourism Department have to discuss with bar owners the review of liquor policy? I am usurping the rights of the Excise Department and interfering in this matter."
"Behind all the corruption is unnecessary haste. It is the tourism department that is actively behind the move to remove the dry day norm and increase the operating hours of bars in the state," he alleged.,
Currently, the first day of every calendar month is a dry day, when liquor is not sold in Kerala.
Satheesan claimed that initially the ministers of both the departments, Rajesh and Riyas, lied that there was no discussion on the issue and then they also lied to the officials about it.
Kerala Chief Secretary V. Venu on Monday dismissed as "baseless" media reports that the state government has decided to make changes in the liquor policy. He said that no such discussion has taken place.
He had said that in the secretary-level meeting under his leadership on March 1, the steps to be taken to improve the financial position of the state and the overall administrative efficiency of the government were discussed.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that the state loses business opportunities like national and international meetings, travel incentive conferences, conventions and exhibitions (MICE- Meeting Incentives Conference Exhibition) due to the dry day norm, he had said.He further said, the Tourism Secretary was directed to take stock of the loss caused to the state due to this and submit a detailed note after necessary discussion.
On this issue, Satheesan said on Tuesday that it is not the job of the Tourism Secretary to review the liquor policy or recommend changes in it.
The issue of alleged withdrawal of the 'dry day' policy came into controversy after an audio clip was aired on TV channels of a member of the bar association allegedly asking other members to give money for a "friendly liquor policy". Asked for.
The UDF has alleged that the Left government demanded Rs 2 crore from bar owners to make a policy favorable to them and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Rajesh.
Brushing aside the allegations and the opposition's demand, Rajesh had said that the state government has not yet held any consultation regarding its liquor policy.
Leader of opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan questioned why the tourism department led by minister PA Mohammed Riyas was "interfering" in the liquor policy, which falls under the jurisdiction of the excise department led by his cabinet colleague MB Rajesh. .
"Hijacking is going on...What right or business does the Tourism Department have to discuss with bar owners the review of liquor policy? I am usurping the rights of the Excise Department and interfering in this matter."
"Behind all the corruption is unnecessary haste. It is the tourism department that is actively behind the move to remove the dry day norm and increase the operating hours of bars in the state," he alleged.,
Currently, the first day of every calendar month is a dry day, when liquor is not sold in Kerala.
Satheesan claimed that initially the ministers of both the departments, Rajesh and Riyas, lied that there was no discussion on the issue and then they also lied to the officials about it.
Kerala Chief Secretary V. Venu on Monday dismissed as "baseless" media reports that the state government has decided to make changes in the liquor policy. He said that no such discussion has taken place.
He had said that in the secretary-level meeting under his leadership on March 1, the steps to be taken to improve the financial position of the state and the overall administrative efficiency of the government were discussed.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that the state loses business opportunities like national and international meetings, travel incentive conferences, conventions and exhibitions (MICE- Meeting Incentives Conference Exhibition) due to the dry day norm, he had said.He further said, the Tourism Secretary was directed to take stock of the loss caused to the state due to this and submit a detailed note after necessary discussion.
On this issue, Satheesan said on Tuesday that it is not the job of the Tourism Secretary to review the liquor policy or recommend changes in it.
The issue of alleged withdrawal of the 'dry day' policy came into controversy after an audio clip was aired on TV channels of a member of the bar association allegedly asking other members to give money for a "friendly liquor policy". Asked for.
The UDF has alleged that the Left government demanded Rs 2 crore from bar owners to make a policy favorable to them and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Rajesh.
Brushing aside the allegations and the opposition's demand, Rajesh had said that the state government has not yet held any consultation regarding its liquor policy.
