KOCHI: While asserting that the UDF government would continue its initiatives to close down bars and phase out beverages outlets, UDF convener P.P. Thankachan on Saturday said that the UDF policy was not one of prohibition but temperance.
Addressing the media after the UDF liaison committee meeting here, he said that the meeting decided not to go in appeal against the High Court order to shift 136 highway side beverages outlets. However, the government would file an appeal against the division bench order to give licence to eight bars, he said.
The meeting also decided to take a decision on the bar licence of clubs and licence for beer and wine parlours and also new five-star hotels only after the courts issued verdicts in cases being considered by them now.
The meeting passed a resolution reaffirming faith in Finance Minister K.M. Mani against whom bar owners had hurled bribe allegations.
The resolution said that bar owners were wreaking vengeance on prominent leaders who took the lead in wiping out the menace of liquor. It noted that Mr Mani is a leader who has an unblemished standing in his 50 year political career.
The meeting termed as baseless the allegations that the government was delaying filing an appeal in the bar case to help bar owners.
“The court has been informed that the appeal will be filed by November 25 even though three more days are left for the deadline, So there is no question of helping the bar owners,” Mr Thankachan said.
The UDF meeting resolved to fight all sorts of corruption, including by officials. Referring to the T. O. Sooraj case, he said the Muslim League representatives, Industries Minister P. K. Kunhalikutty and K.P.A. Majeed, did not say a word in support of Mr Sooraj at the meeting.
There was nothing improper in conducting Vigilance raids on Mr Sooraj’s premises without informing PWD Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju, he said. “Will anybody conduct a raid on your premises after informing you,” was his riposte when newsmen shot off this question.
He also said that an all-party delegation would meet the Prime Minister raising various demands, including on rubber and Mullapperiyar.
The meeting asked Supplyco to bring down the prices and the government to decide fast on pay revision.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC chief V.M. Sudheeran, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Finance Minister K. M. Mani and chief whip P.C. George among others.
