Thiruvananthapuram: Since liquor is measured in retail pegs, saner utterances by social leaders on Kerala’s liquor ban row, though in installments, look perfectly in sync with the times.
It’s time leaders of all hues worked toward a consensus to undertake a review of the abrupt decision to close down all bars, barring five star hotels, and make Kerala a dry State in 10 years.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s decision is illogical as it seeks to nip a centuries-old habit at the stroke of a pen.
He should heed saner counsel from leaders such as Cardinal Mar Alencherry.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has made a blunt speak on the petty politics.
SNDP general secretary Vellapally Natesan and NSS general secretary G Sukuramaran laugh at the folly of Mr Chandy’s reactive proposal.
Even the Muslim League feels Mr Chandy’s shocker has been too hasty and the State needs to be first equipped sociologically to undertake a long haul temperance campaign.
This presents a lifeline for the beleaguered Mr Chandy and rest of the UDF leaders to review the ban.
No one has any doubt that the abrupt decision was the culmination of a game of one-upmanship between Mr Chandy and PCC president V M Sudheeran.
Perhaps, Mr Chandy knew too well that his decision would soon encounter a groundswell of resentment, bringing pressure on all concerned to undertake an early course correction.
That hour is at hand. If he misses this chance, Mr Chandy would be driving the State to yet another liquor tragedy.
