Kerala Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran opposes low‑alcohol drink tax

Senior Congress figure V.M. Sudheeran publicly criticised the Kerala government's proposal to levy a tax on low‑alcohol beverages in the upcoming state budget. He urged that the provision be withdrawn before the finance bill is presented in the assembly, saying the measure had not been discussed within Congress or the ruling UDF coalition. Sudheeran said he had already raised his concerns with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the excise minister, but the issue remained unresolved.

He also demanded greater transparency on the state's mineral sand mining policy, calling for a clear statement that mining activities would not be permitted without proper oversight. Sudheeran's intervention highlights internal dissent within the UDF‑led administration over fiscal and environmental decisions.