Bypoll outcome will be a referendum on UDF Govt: Kerala CM

There would be positive impact on the development and care initiatives of the Congress-led UDF government, he said

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the outcome of June 27 Aruvikkara Assembly bypoll would be a referendum on the four-year rule of his government and also on the opposition LDF's performance.

There would be positive impact on the development and care initiatives of the Congress-led UDF government, he told reporters here.

"People have not taken seriously the allegations on bar bribery and solar scam against the government," a confident looking Chandy said.

Chandy said, "The Aruvikkara bypoll will be a referendum on the four-year rule of the UDF government and the CPI(M)-led LDF opposition's role during the period."

On the bar bribery case in which an FIR has been filed against state Finance Minister K M Mani, he said out of the 300 persons who had given evidence to the Vigilance team probing the bar bribery case, "None have given any evidences against him (Mani)."

Taking a dig at the LDF, he said they were depending on the complaint of "a bar-owner who suffered a huge loss" due to the new liquor policy of the government that resulted in the closure of more than 700 bars.

"None can weaken this government by false allegations and prevent it from moving forward with development projects," he said.

He also said Aruvikkara poll result would be 'recognition' of the new liquor policy declared in August last.

The policy which envisages total prohibition in 10 years time permitted Indian Made Foreign liquor bars only in Five Star category hotels.

Referring to a recent survey which mentioned that women in Aruvikkara were in favour of UDF, Chandy said, "This is the positive reflection of liquor policy."

Chandy charged that a section of media was coming out with cooked up news about bar bribery and solar scams. 'Some of you (media) are creating news out of void, he added.