Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of protecting the interests of liquor barons at the expense of the common populace.
Inaugurating a demonstration organised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in front of the Secretariat in protest against the government’s liquor policy, Mr. Chennithala alleged that attempts were being made at the behest of bar owners to transform the State into a liquor haven.
“The policy of the previous UDF government to rein in liquor business had gained acceptance from the Supreme Court and the High Court. The LDF government’s move is the result of a conspiracy hatched with liquor barons at the time of the Assembly polls,” he said.
He added the permission to reopen bars has put at risk the safety of women and children, who faced domestic violence and untoward incidents in public areas. “The government caters to the interests of liquor barons and the affluent. All other sections have suffered at the hands of the administration. The LDF rule has been marked by rise in prices of essential commodities, inept tackling of the fever outbreak that claimed 250 lives, and surrender of students’ interests to private managements in the higher education sector,” he said.
