Chennithala-Sudheeran feud over liquor policy

KOCHI:The prohibition policy of the erstwhile UDF government has sparked off a war of words between Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president VM Sudheeran. Chennithala’s statement that the UDF liquor policy did not help UDF in the assembly elections and that the party should take a relook at the liquor policy has triggered off a fresh controversy over the policy.

Chennithala added that he would make his stand clear when the matter comes up for discussion in the party. Left Front leaders have welcomed the statement, coming close on heels of tourism minister AC Moideen’s observation that the policy had adversely affected the tourism industry. However, Chennithala’s party chief Sudheeran said that the prohibition policy was a collective decision.

“There is no need to change it now,” he said. He added that he would speak to Chennithala about it. Congress leader TN Pratapan said that Chennithala’s comment was “unfortunate”.