KPCC promises better co-ordination with Chandy government

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite his sharp differences with the Oommen Chandy government over changes in the liquor policy, KPCC president V M Sudheeran Wednesday pledged his cooperation to strengthen the party-ministry co-ordination to face the political onslaught from the opposition.

Briefing reporters on the deliberations at the party-government co-ordination committee meet held here last evening, Sudheeran admitted that the differences over the decision to allow beer and wine parlours remained but the party would ensure better cooperation with the ministry.

"The reservation over the government's decision to allow wine and beer parlours in 418 bars closed down last year has already been made clear. Retaining this position, the co-ordination between the party and the government will be carried forward more effectively," Sudheeran told reporters.

The government had recently relaxed its liquor policy which earlier sought to drastically cut down availability of liquor with the goal of taking the state to total prohibition within a decade.

The government has claimed that the basic objectives of the policy remained intact and only certain "practical changes" have been effected to it.

Sudheeran, however, had expressed his open dissent over these changes and the party-government co-ordination committee meeting was held against this backdrop.

He said the party would also extend its support for the smooth conduct of the 35th National Games, which is scheduled to begin this month-end.

Referring to allegations of serious flaws in the preparations for the Games levelled by the opposition parties and certain sections within the ruling front, Sudheeran said the party expected that the event would be organised in a foolproof manner without giving in to controversy.