Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran on Thursday publicly questioned the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s decision to reduce tax on low-alcohol beverages, saying the proposal should have been discussed within the Congress and the UDF before being incorporated into the Revised Budget.
Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, Mr. Sudheeran said the lack of prior consultation had led to an avoidable controversy.
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“Had the issue been discussed at the party and front levels before the Budget proposal was made, this unnecessary controversy could have been avoided,” he said.
Recalling the promise in the UDF’s election manifesto, Mr. Sudheeran said the Congress manifesto had pledged to curb the spread and consumption of liquor and intensify the fight against substance abuse. “The UDF government should honour the commitment it made to the people,” he said.
