On Friday, Kerala's Excise Minister MB Rajesh wrote to state police chief Shaik Darvesh Sahib, urging a probe into allegations of certain individuals soliciting funds to influence a favourable liquor policy by the state government.

The minister's action followed opposition leader VD Satheesan's claim that the CPM-led government was allegedly collecting bribes amounting to ₹20 crores from 801 bar owners in the state in return for favourable amendments to the Abkari Act.

The Congress leader's assertion was based on a purported leaked audio clip featuring a prominent member of a hotel owners association, wherein he was heard urging other members to contribute ₹2.5 lakh each to influence a favourable liquor policy. Some of the longstanding requests of bar owners in the state include extended working hours and the removal of 'dry days'.

At a press conference, Satheesan said, “Money is being collected from bar owners with the assurance that Abkari rules will be amended as soon as the election code of conduct is passed. The excise minister should take responsibility and resign.”

In response to the allegations, the excise minister said, “The government has not even initiated discussions regarding this year’s liquor policy. So we are looking at these reports about soliciting funds with the aim of certain changes in liquor policy very seriously. There will be strict action against such people. The government does not encourage such actions.”

The minister also refuted claims suggesting that the government was showing favouritism towards bar owners. “The one parameter where the government can help bar owners is with regard to license fees. Our government has effected a hike in license fees from ₹23 lakh in 2016 to ₹35 lakhs. There has been a hike of ₹12 lakhs in 8 years. When the government has raised the license fees so much, how can it be seen as favouring bar owners?” said Rajesh. “Additionally, when irregularities are found in functioning of bars, during the UDF regime, only a fine was imposed on bar owners. Our government is imposing suspension of licenses along with fines for serious offences.”

Meanwhile, V Sunil Kumar, president of the Federation of Kerala Hotels Association (FKHA), denied any collection of funds for changes in liquor policies. He clarified that the leaked audio clip purportedly featured Animon, FKHA’s Idukki district president, who was suspended for acting against the interests of the organization.

“A process is ongoing to collect funds to construct a building for FKHA in Thiruvananthapuram. That’s the only fund gathering going on. (Animon) has been suspended and thrown out of a forum. What he says or claims does not affect us. There is a conspiracy behind this. We have only asked members to contribute money for our building,” Sunil Kumar told reporters.

Image source: PTI