Outgoing Excise Minister K.Babu has accused certain organisations and individuals of targeting him for putting forward certain practical suggestions on the liquor policy.
Mr. Babu told reporters here on Monday morning that those who had kept him on tenterhooks for making the suggestions on the policy are not seen anywhere after the drubbing in the elections. But he denied that he was referring to the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference. There were attempts to portray him as a representative of the liquor lobby, he said.
Referring to his defeat in Tripunithura in the Assembly election, Mr.Babu said that the indecision in finalising the candidates and an attempt to portray him as a candidate who did not enjoy the party’s confidence, contributed to his defeat. The Left Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party-Bharath Dharma Jana Sena alliance used the campaign against him to their advantage. The BJP-BDJS alliance got more votes, mainly from among the Backward Classes. The Muslims became apprehensive after the visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Muslim minority had a feeling that they could rely only on the UDF. Even the LDF did not expect such a major victory, he said.
The UDF had framed its liquor policy for a year, but it was open to the new government for review. The UDF was planning to introduce prohibition in phases. As per the present indications, all bars are likely to be opened soon. This smacks of an understanding between the bar owners and the LDF, he said.
Mr.Babu said that he would pursue the defamation proceedings initiated against hotelier Biju Ramesh for raising false charges against him. The Congress could well overcome the defeat and could return to power too, he said.
