Kerala liquor policy to be decided after talks with coalition parties, says Revenue Minister
Anil Kumar on Friday said any policy decision on tax cut for low-alcohol beverages will be taken only after discussions within the ruling UDF and with the Congress leadership.His remarks come amid controversy in Kerala over the government’s proposal in the 2026 Revised Budget to cut tax for low-alcohol beverages. Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran has also called for the proposal to be withdrawn.Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who holds finance portfolio, has maintained that the Budget only provides the tax framework and that no final decision has been taken on marketing or sale.Addressing the controversy, Mr. Kumar said policy matters would not be decided unilaterally.“If it is a policy matter, discussions are held within the front and among the constituent parties.
- ▪Anil Kumar on Friday said any policy decision on tax cut for low-alcohol beverages will be taken only after discussions within the ruling UDF and with the Congress leadership.His remarks come amid controversy in Kerala over the government’s
- ▪Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran has also called for the proposal to be withdrawn.Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who holds finance portfolio, has maintained that the Budget only provides the tax framework and that no final decision has b
- ▪Kumar said policy matters would not be decided unilaterally.“If it is a policy matter, discussions are held within the front and among the constituent parties.
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Kerala Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar on Friday said any policy decision on tax cut for low-alcohol beverages will be taken only after discussions within the ruling UDF and with the Congress leadership.His remarks come amid controversy in Kerala over the government’s proposal in the 2026 Revised Budget to cut tax for low-alcohol beverages. Why Kerala’s low-alcohol liquor policy has sparked a political storm | ExplainedThe Budget proposed a 120% sales tax on drinks containing 0.5 to 10% alcohol by volume and 175% on those containing more than 10% and up to 20%.The proposed tax structure has drawn criticism from the Opposition and some within the Congress, who argue that lower taxes on low-alcohol beverages could encourage alcohol consumption and benefit private liquor companies.
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