Kerala Finance Bill Sparks Row as Pinarayi Alleges Tax Favour for Liquor Companies

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday accused the UDF government of rushing the passage of the Finance Bill in the Kerala Assembly to grant tax concessions to liquor companies , alleging that established legislative procedures were ignored.

Addressing a press conference, Vijayan claimed the Finance Bill was presented and passed in undue haste, with the government disregarding the rules of business and long-standing Assembly practices. He also alleged that the ruling front repeatedly misled the House by presenting incorrect facts during the session, particularly on its final day.

"There was unnecessary haste and stubbornness in passing the Finance Bill. It was clear that the Chief Minister was determined to ensure liquor companies received the tax benefit," Vijayan alleged.

The former Chief Minister further claimed that the proposed tax reduction would eventually lead to greater availability of liquor across the state.

The allegations come a day after Chief Minister VD Satheesan defended the government's decision to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages . Responding to criticism, Satheesan maintained that the proposal would not automatically come into force and would not, by itself, permit the sale of such beverages in Kerala.

The Kerala Assembly passed the Finance Bill on Wednesday, providing legislative approval to the tax proposals announced in the state Budget presented earlier this year.

The controversy is expected to intensify the political debate over the government's fiscal policy, with the opposition questioning both the legislative process and the rationale behind the proposed tax relief for low-alcohol beverages.