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Kerala Liquor Policy Row: Cong Rejects Tourism Director’s Claim

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Thiruvananthapuram

Congress dismissed on Monday the Kerala Tourism Director’s claim that a meeting had no connection to the state’s liquor policy, accusing officials of lying to protect ministers. Congress asserted that a decision to amend the liquor policy was made during a May 21 Tourism Department meeting.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that bar owners met in Ernakulam, planning to collect money for a favorable liquor policy. He referred to an audio clip of a bar owner indicating that payments were necessary for policy changes. Satheesan claimed the Tourism Director’s press statement was issued under pressure, noting that the Zoom meeting was labeled as a liquor policy review.

Satheesan questioned whether the Tourism Minister’s office prepared the Director’s statement, alleging that officials were forced to shield ministers from corruption accusations.

However, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas denied these allegations, stating that the May 21 meeting was routine, involving industry stakeholders like resorts, hotels, and houseboats, and not directed by him. Riyas suspected an agenda to implicate him in the controversy.

The Congress criticism followed media reports suggesting the state might scrap the ‘dry day’ policy, which prohibits alcohol sales on the first day of each month. An audio clip allegedly from a bar association member asking for money to secure a favorable policy further fueled the controversy.

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