Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan confronts liquor tax cut bill and State Election Commissioner appointment dispute

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's government has moved ahead with a proposal to lower taxes on low‑alcohol beverages by including the measure in a draft Finance Bill set for introduction on July 1. The move has sparked strong opposition from coalition partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League, senior Congress leaders and anti‑liquor groups, who argue it undermines Kerala's policy of discouraging alcohol consumption.

At the same time, Congress leader P.M. Niyas has written to the chief minister urging a halt to the appointment of former judge N. Seshadrinathan as State Election Commissioner. Niyas alleges the nominee has links to the Sangh Parivar and could bias the delimitation process in favor of the BJP, prompting a fresh internal dispute within the UDF coalition over the selection of the constitutional office holder.