T’puram: Senior Congress functionary V M Sudheeran has reiterated his opposition to the state budget proposal granting tax concessions for low-alcohol beverages, urging the govt to withdraw the concession when the finance bill is presented in the assembly.Sudheeran told on Thursday that the proposal should have been discussed within the Congress and the UDF before being announced in the assembly. He maintained that formulating a policy through consultations and arriving at a consensus beforehand would have prevented the controversy.Sudheeran said he had earlier brought to the attention of chief minister V D Satheesan and the excise minister the need to curb the spread of alcohol consumption.“The budget proposal should be withdrawn. This provision must be omitted when the finance bill is introduced,” he said, adding that democratic govts should ensure transparency and propriety while adopting policies and taking decisions.He said the govt should remain committed to the stand previously taken by the opposition on liquor policy. He also questioned the lack of clarity over the exact number of bars operating in the state. Sudheeran also praised the home department’ anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan.
