Finance Bill passed 'hurriedly' to give tax benefits to liquor cos: Kerala LoP Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday alleged that the UDF government "hurriedly" passed the Finance Bill to "favour" liquor companies through tax cuts.

Addressing a press conference here, Vijayan further alleged that the Finance Bill was presented and passed in the assembly by throwing to the winds, the rules of business and past practices of the House.

Read more: LDF walks out of Kerala Assembly, accuses CM Satheesan of 'misleading' House on fund cuts


He further contended that while the opposition tried to cooperate with the House proceedings, there were repeated attempts by the ruling UDF to mislead the assembly and present wrong facts and this was "clearly apparent" on the last day of the session.

The Marxist veteran alleged there was "unnecessary haste and stubbornness" on part of the Congress-led government to pass the Finance Bill.

"It was clear that the Chief Minister (VD Satheesan) was adamant that the liquor companies be given the tax benefit by any means," Vijayan alleged.

The former CM also claimed that the tax cut would result in widespread availability of liquor in the state.

Satheesan on Wednesday had defended the UDF government's decision to cut taxes on low-alcohol beverages, but insisted the proposal would neither automatically come into force nor pave the way for their sale in the state.

Read more: Govt approval mandatory for Adani stake transfer in Vizhinjam port: Kerala CM

The Assembly passed the Finance Bill on Wednesday, giving legislative approval to the tax proposals announced in the state Budget presented recently.