Chandy asks CPI-M to explain stand on liquor policy

Taunting the opposition CPI-M, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today insisted that the party make clear its stand on the new liquor policy of his government restricting operation of Indian Made Foreign Liquor bars to five star hotels.
Reacting to CPI-M State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's statement that his party cannot tell what would be its liquor policy if the party-led LDF came to power in coming Assembly elections, he said the Marxist party cannot 'hoodwink' people on the issue.
They have to come out with their stand, Chandy told reporters here after a cabinet meeting.
Taking a dig at the CPI-M for refusing to explain its stand on the issue, Chandy said it was like those who 'run with the hare and hunt with hounds'.

"People will see through the game of CPI-M," Chandy added.
On the cabinet decisions, he said the government decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Railways for taking up various railway projects in the state with the cost sharing in the ratio of 51-59.

The state would share 51 per cent of the total cost of the project while the Railways 49, he said, adding the MoU would be singed on January 19 in New Delhi.
Chandy also said the Comprehensive 'Health for All scheme' announced in the 2015-16 state budget had been given final shape and would be implemented.

Families whose income is below three lakh per annum can become part of the scheme. More than 42 lakh families would be benefited under the scheme, he added.