Published Jun 25, 2026 | 12:23 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 25, 2026 | 12:27 PM
VD Satheesan taking oath as the chief minister of Kerala.
Synopsis: VM Sudheeran, while acknowledging the Chief Minister’s assurance that the issue will be discussed within the UDF, stressed that policies appearing to encourage further alcohol consumption are concerning. The senior leader, who had backed Satheesan in the CM race, also expressed another serious concern…
Senior Congress leader VM Sudheeran has come out against Chief Minister VD Satheesan over the Kerala government’s proposal to reduce tax on low-alcohol liquor, saying the move should have been discussed within the party and the United Democratic Front (UDF) before being brought before the Assembly.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Sudheeran said the controversy surrounding the proposal could have been avoided had there been prior consultations at the party and front levels.
He noted that while Satheesan had recently stated in the Assembly that the issue would be discussed within the UDF before a final decision was taken, the matter should have been settled in the House itself.
“The declared policy has always been to reduce the spread and consumption of liquor and fight addiction. Any proposal that appears to facilitate wider liquor distribution raises serious concerns,” Sudheeran said.
The veteran Congress leader, who had already written a letter to the Chief Minister on the issues, alleged that the previous Left government had already eased liquor availability in the state and warned against measures that could encourage further alcohol consumption.
He said Kerala was facing growing social challenges linked to substance abuse and stressed the need for a consistent anti-liquor policy.
Sudheeran said extensive discussions should have been held within the UDF and with anti-alcohol activists and movements before any such proposal was tabled.
Sudheeran revealed that he had urged in his letter to the Chief Minister to adhere to the government’s stated policy against expanding liquor distribution.
Criticising the inclusion of the proposal in the budget process, Sudheeran said no decision should be taken while presenting the Finance Bill that could create opportunities for increased liquor sales.
“The concerns and doubts that have emerged in society remain unresolved. The best course would be to drop this proposal when the Finance Bill is taken up,” he said.
He further cautioned that the government should avoid any decision that could damage its credibility.
“This is a government that has received substantial public support. Transparency must be maintained in every decision, and the administration should move forward only after addressing public concerns,” Sudheeran added.
Sudheeran had earlier expressed reservations about allowing private participation in mineral sand mining also.
Interestingly, Sudheeran was said to have played a key role in VD Satheesan’s elevation as Kerala Chief Minister. Satheesan had called upon the senior leader at his house and thanked him. The Chief Minister had also said that Sudheeran is “like a mentor to me”.
Also Read | Explained: The UDF’s low-alcohol tax cut proposal in Kerala and its political risks
Sudheeran also raised concerns over the government’s proposed rare earth and critical minerals initiative, urging the administration to remove all uncertainty surrounding mineral sand mining in the coastal belt of Alappuzha.
Expressing apprehension over what he described as an ambiguous policy stance, Sudheeran said residents along the Alappuzha coastline were deeply worried about the possibility of private mining activities being expanded in the region.
He called on the government to make an unequivocal declaration that no mineral sand mining would be permitted anywhere along the Alappuzha coast.
“The people of the coastal areas are anxious about the government’s intentions. The administration should clearly state that no form of mining will be allowed along the Alappuzha shoreline,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the revised State Budget’s allocation of ₹100 crore for the creation of a Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Corridor linking the southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, areas known for significant deposits of strategic minerals.
Sudheeran had earlier voiced opposition to the proposal, arguing that opening the mineral sector to private investment would run contrary to commitments made by the UDF during elections and could compromise public interests.
According to him, the budget announcement has revived concerns among coastal communities, many of whom remember previous attempts to introduce private mineral sand mining projects that triggered widespread resistance.
He noted that protests were already underway against mineral sand mining operations at Thottappally in Alappuzha, initiated through public sector agencies under the previous LDF government in 2019.
Sudheeran alleged that the project ultimately benefited private mining interests more than it addressed the longstanding flooding problems faced by Kuttanad.
Reiterating his demand, he urged the government to withdraw the budget proposal and ensure that no policy decision paves the way for private mineral sand mining along the Alappuzha coast.
CM Satheesan had earlier asserted that the budget did not contain a single word on privatising mineral sand mining. He insisted that the government’s focus was on value addition and investment-led growth.
Also Read: How ‘donations’ to politicians, kin are ruining environment and life along the Kerala coast
Amidst the criticisms, Sudheeran also lauded the performance of the Home Department in tackling drug-related crimes in the state.
He said the department’s efforts against the narcotics menace were yielding results and deserved recognition.
The veteran Congress leader congratulated Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the police force for their work in strengthening anti-drug enforcement measures, stating that the government’s response to the issue had been effective.
(Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
