THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon after chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan countered opposition leader
Ramesh Chennithala on sanctioning new
breweries and distilleries, the opposition leader hit back saying that the chief minister has been trying to cover up corruption by twisting facts.
Citing the LDF election manifesto,
Chennithala said the front had made it clear that it would act towards reducing liquor availability and use. Now, in a U-turn, it says the new breweries were sanctioned based on its policy, Chennithala pointed out.
He said Vijayan's claim that the order issued in 1999 on breweries and distilleries was applicable only for applications received then, was against facts.
The opposition leader said subsequent governments have from time to time stated in the court that the 1999's order was part of a policy and in line with several orders issued by the high court and the Supreme Court. Chennithala also cited a petition filed by the previous LDF government in the SC indicating that its policy was in accordance with the 1999 order.
Is the government claiming that the 1999 order issued by the then principal secretary (taxes) was only meant for the 110 applications for breweries and distilleries received in that year, he asked.
Chennithala said the government order issued on the basis of a cabinet decision should have been overruled only on the basis of another cabinet decision. tnn
CM Pinarayi Vijayan
