THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Monday said there was no question of opening new bars in the state. The CPM state secretary said there was a false campaign that the LDF government was planning to open new bars and toddy shops. Speaking at the EMS memorial meet here, the CPM leader said the government was implementing Supreme Court verdict and its basic policy focused on bringing down liquor consumption through awareness and temperance.
He said government has to comply with the court verdicts on reopening of bars. But even while implementing the court decisions, the state government has initiated several measures including awareness campaigns to bring down liquor consumption in society. Mr Balakrishnan said the LDF was not in favour of prohibition or phased prohibition. The government wants to create awareness and encourage temperance.
A section of CPM leaders believe that there was a concerted campaign from certain quarters against the LDF government. It is being alleged that LDF's liquor policy would result in liquor flow across the state. However, the CPM leaders allege that the campaign was politically motivated. This was also evident from the fact that certain sections had already dared the CPM and LDF to test waters in Chengannur by-poll. The CPM says it will counter the campaign by mobilising people.
