Kerala Liquor Scandal: Alleged Corruption and Political Maneuvering

The Congress has demanded the resignation of Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh due to an alleged scam of Rs 25 crore. This scam may unveil a new liquor scandal in Kerala.

During the 8 years of Left rule in Kerala, the state’s liquor policy has undergone significant changes. Let’s delve into the details.

Congress’ ‘Liquor Free State’ Plan

The Congress’ plan to make the state liquor-free has been largely unsuccessful since 2016. When in 2014, Congress introduced a liquor policy aimed at making the state liquor-free, 418 bars out of 753 were closed, and an additional 312 were shut down. The government also ceased issuing licenses to sell liquor in the state, and only 16 bar licenses were issued across the state. Congress aimed for total prohibition, while the LDF had a plan to stimulate the market with a complete reversal of Congress’ ideas, aiming for a liquor-free state.

LDF Counters Congress’ Liquor Policy

Within a year of coming to power in the state, the LDF opposed Congress’ liquor policy. The first decision the LDF made against the Liquor Policy was to grant licenses to 3 and 4-star hotels and continue the sale of beer and wine in 2-star hotels.

Why Did LDF Take This Stance?

The reason behind this decision was to boost the liquor market, which had suffered since the implementation of the liquor policy. The market had declined, leading to nearly 40,000 people losing their jobs. This was one of the reasons why bar owners and employees voted for the Left in the 2016 elections. This decision benefited them, and after assuming office in the state, the LDF began issuing free chocolates to babies. As a result, about 442 wine parlors were granted bar licenses between 2016 and 2021. In the second term of the LDF, 97 new liquor licenses were issued. Now, in 2024, there is discussion about potentially lifting Kerala’s monthly dry day, which was introduced in 2003 by the Congress government to reduce liquor consumption.