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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.
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