T’puram: CPM state secretariat has defended the LDF govt’s policy on low-alcohol beverages, asserting that all decisions taken in the matter were transparent and based on expert recommendations.In a statement, the party said permission for the production and sale of low-alcohol beverages was granted after considering the recommendations of the Udayabhanu commission. It also noted that amendments to the relevant rules were made following discussions in the assembly subject committee.Rejecting allegations that the previous govt had created conditions for liquor manufacturers to evade taxes, CPM said no changes were made to the tax structure for low-alcohol beverages for more than three years after the policy was introduced. According to the party, the initiative was intended to support farmers by promoting value-added products derived from fruits and agricultural produce.CPM alleged that the present controversy stems from the decision of the UDF govt to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages soon after assuming office. It claimed that chief minister V D Satheesan intervened in a file on which no action had been taken for three-and-a-half years under the previous govt.The party further alleged that the move would result in a revenue loss of more than Rs 600 crore annually to the state exchequer and facilitate the large-scale flow of liquor into the market.CPM maintained that if the govt wishes to revise the policy, it should withdraw the proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages through the Finance Bill. It also demanded that constituents of UDF clearly state their position on the issue.Accusing UDF and a section of the media of attempting to shield the CM, CPM urged the public to reject what it termed a campaign aimed at diverting attention from the real issue.
