LDF stages walkout in Assembly

Continuing their attack against the Congress-led UDF government over the new liquor policy in the Assembly, CPI-M led LDF Opposition today sought an adjournment motion on the proposed changes in the policy and staged a walkout in protest.
LDF members staged a walkout when their demand for a debate on the issue was rejected by Deputy Speaker N Sakthan.
Replying to the notice for the motion, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Excise Minister K Babu admitted that certain practical changes would be brought about but without affecting the fundamentals of the policy that envisaged total prohibition in stages.
Chandy also said practical changes were for effective implementation of the policy. "The policy is a synergy of total prohibition and liquor renunciation."

Hinting that government would consider issuing licence to closed bars for opening beer and wine parlours, Babu said government wanted to reduce the supply of 'strong liquor' by making available 'light liquor'.
Indicating that there would be changes in liquor rules in Tourism sector and classifying Sundays as dry day, Babu said sale of liquor on Saturdays has increased and there was cancellation of 'Conference tourism' in the state.

Babu also said ruling UDF had approved the necessity for change and had entrusted the Ministry to take suitable decisions after considering all aspects.
Seeking leave for the motion, A Pradeepkumar (CPI-M) said the talk about changes clearly established the failure of the policy. He alleged that government was hand in glove with bar owners and that was the reason why government 'failed' in cases related to bar issue in courts.

Before staging the walkout in protest, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan said the new policy was an outcome of corruption to help bar owners.