BJP state president V Muraleedharan alleged here on Saturday that there was a nexus between the liquor mafia and Congress leaders. The UDF government had prepared the Foreign Liquor Rule, 2011, with loopholes to help the mafia, Muraleedharan said.
The Kerala High Court on Friday had struck down discriminatory and arbitrary amendments to the rule, under which bar licences were denied to new three-star hotels and stipulated distance norms.
“While framing the rules, the government was well aware of the fact that it would not sustain if challenged in the court. Same was the strategy of the LDF government in the matter of self-financing colleges. They first framed rules with loopholes which were later set aside by the court,” said Muraleedharan. He also alleged that the UDF government was trying to create a feeling among people that judiciary was blocking their attempts to implement a better liquor policy. “If the government is sincere, it should implement a strong Abkari rule which will sustain even if challenged in the court,” said Muraleedharan. Referring to the high air fares to the Gulf countries during the season, Muraleedharan called upon the Prime Minister to intervene in the issue. National carrier Air India is yet to restore its full services after the pilot strike.
“We have got clear indications that there is a nexus between private airlines and top Union Government officials who facilitate the former to make use of the situation. Therefore, the Prime Minister should immediately intervene in the matter to put an end to this looting in skies,” he said.
When asked about the party’s performance in the Neyyatinkara by-poll, Muraleedharan said it would be discussed at party forums. However, he refused to answer queries on organisational issues within the party.