THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when Covid 19 is spreading at an alarming level, Congress leader, V M Sudheeran has written a letter to the government expressing concern over the government decision to open bars. In the letter, he says that the government should never ignore the conducive effects caused by the closure of bars during the lockdown period. The letter is posted on his Facebook page.

His Facebook post is as follows:

Dear Chief Minister,

It is requested to withdraw the decision to open up bars which were closed down as part of Covid 19 precaution. The opening of closed bars will only aggravate further the already perilous Covid 19 situation in the state. Govt should rectify the wrong attitude of ignoring, conducive effects brought out by the closing of bars during the rapid spread of coronavirus. The instances where those who used liquor, giving it up during the lockdown period has been reported from many parts of the state. Authentic studies also point out that such instances enabled several families to save a cumulative amount of Rs 3,200 crore which was spent on liquor. Crime records bureau also states that low liquor consumption has also reduced crime rates in the state.

At the same time, the opening of retail liquor outlets has led the state to anarchy. A honest evaluation of the situation is required. The govt’s decision to increase retail outlets from 306 to 1,298 has led to dangerous social consequences. Children killing their parents, Husband allowing his friends to sexually abuse his wife, The assault on women and children all these incidents of crime point towards the anarchical situation in the state. Above all these, the incident of sexually assaulting a Covid-19 patient has gravely damaged Kerala’s image before the world. It is a reality that most of the crimes had occurred in the intoxication of liquor.

Proving govt claims that drug abuse has increased in the state with the ban on bars, now Kerala has become a safe haven for Drug, Marijuana sale and also for alcohol. Kerala had such a pitfall due to govt’s policy of encouraging drug use and the support given by the ruling front to drug trade. LDF in its election manifesto has promised to the people that they will reduce the availability of liquor and strong measures would be taken to prevent the spread of drug use and liquor consumption but they are doing the contrary after coming into power. This show s that there is no relation between LDF’s word and their work. If LDF still gives any importance to the promise made to people then no step should be taken to encourage liquor consumption in the state and all liquor selling points should be closed down as did during the lockdown period we have realised that it is needed for Covid-19 prevention through our experience. The govt should work to guard people’s interest other than protecting the whims and fancies of liquor companies.

Yours faithfully, V M Sudheeran

Shri Pinarayi Vijayan

Honourable Chief Minister