Pinarayi Vijayan’s Corruption Allegation Against UDF' Liquor Tax Cut Removed From Sabha TV Broadcast

Thiruvananthapuram: An allegation made by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan that the UDF government's liquor tax concession was intended to benefit private liquor company Bacardi was removed from Sabha TV broadcast. The Opposition Leader had raised the allegation while seeking permission for an adjournment motion, but the corruption charge was withdrawn from Sabha TV at the request of Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

Pinarayi Vijayan had pointed out in the House that the decision to reduce tax on low-strength liquor would not benefit ordinary people, and that the real beneficiary was the Karnataka-based liquor company Bacardi. He alleged that the file related to the matter was being processed with unusual haste, calling it a move with serious consequences for the state. The Opposition Leader further alleged that the UDF government's decision would push the youth and students towards substance abuse.

However, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan ruled that the adjournment motion could not be allowed. Following this, the Opposition staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest.