Liquor policy responsible for UDF loss: Ramesh Chennithala, Congress

KOCHI: After a short interval, the prohibition policy of the United Democratic Front (UDF) has sparked off a war of words between its leaders.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala's statement that the UDF liquor policy did not help the Front in the Assembly election has triggered off a fresh controversy over the policy. In an interview to a Malayalam magazine, opposition leader Chennithala said the party should take a relook at the liquor policy , adding that he will make his stand clear when the matter is discussed. While many Congress leaders have reacted against Chennithala's statement, the Left Front leaders have welcomed it.

His statement comes soon after the tourism minister AC Moideen's observation that the policy has adversely affected the tourism industry in the state and that it should be changed.

KPCC president VM Sudheeran said the prohibition policy was a collective decision. "There is no need to change it now," he said. He added that he will be speaking to Chennithala on the matter.

Congress leader TN Pratapan said Chennithala's comment was “unfortunate“. He pointed out the UDF lost the election due to reasons other than liquor. IUML leader KPA Majeed also spoke out against Chennithala's statement. He said his party was not of the view that liquor policy led to the defeat of the UDF in the election.

Meanwhile, excise minister TP Ramakrishnan has welcomed Chennithala's statement. Tourism minister AC Moideen said he was happy to note that the opposition leader has understood the adverse effects of the UDF's liquor policy .