Indian Kerala – A liquor state?

-Dr. Abdul Ruff’

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Strange it may seem there has been vehement opposition to liquor ban decision of Congress led UDF government from all sections of society, both rich and poor, signifying the importance attached by politicians and mafias, especially to foreign liquor.

Even ministers of Kerala state government led by Congress party have raised issues to lift any ban if still in vogue to help tourism flourish.  In using the tourists as target of liquor shops, Kerala leaders have found convenient users and cause for liquor flow in the state, ignoring the fact that Mahatma Gandhi opposed liquor in his freedom life.

Obviously it was the Congress led UDF coalition that took a policy decision to end the liquor in the state. Gujarat, where Gandhi was born, has implemented liquor ban successfully. But Keralites love liquor as a regular drink.  Kerala, where Christians won’t be able to give up liquor, both local and imported, is not able to take a firm decision to do away with liquor culture. It is said Christians promote liquor in the state but there is no evidence for that.  People from every religion, including Muslims, drink as much as they want here.   

Regular inflow of Gulf money has not only made the life of ordinary Keralites miserable with ever rising prices of essentials but also made the liquor culture very strong.  People here have plenty of money for imported liquor.

The new liquor policy of Kerala government is aimed at shutting down bars attached to hotels below the five-star category. The policy is aimed at reducing availability of liquor in the State. It will lead to shut down of 732 bars across the State and will brand them as 'sub-standard". The ban order came into force from September 11, 2014.

The closure of bars across the State has pushed the government into a financial crisis, according to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. He added that the closing down of the remaining bars was likely to worsen the situation.

After the liquor ban in Kerala, the state Government steeply increased taxes on liquor, cigarettes, water charges and fees for various services to cover up the loss which will be incurred due to the ban. Sudheeran said that the KPCC would consider the government’s decision to hike taxes, service fees and water tariff with an open mind. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the KPCC chief was yet to tell him anything regarding government’s decision.

While the CM of Kerala Oommen Chandy is under terrific pressure from liquor mafias to let liquor flow in the so-called god’s country, Kerala state Congress party president V. M. Sudheeran who is spearheading the liquor ban movement is disliked not only by the liquor mafias but even by politicians, ministers, among others. The powerful liquor outlet owners having close nexus with politicians and bureaucrats are making strenuous efforts to discredit Sudheeran who faces all with caution.  Reports suggest that the liquor  mafias tried to fund  the Kerala Yatra of Sudheeran so he also supports the liquor business but they have failed.

In order to implement the liquor ban in Kerala where liquor plays important role even in poll campaigns, the chief minister and his government have to be sincere.