BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the state’s proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages
June 26, 2026: BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday criticised the Kerala government’s proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, arguing that it contradicts the state’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, Operation Toofan. Speaking to reporters, Chandrasekhar questioned whether the government’s priority was protecting young people from substance abuse or encouraging alcohol consumption through lower prices. He said the administration needed to clarify its stand on youth welfare and addiction prevention.
Chandrasekhar alleged that the government was sending conflicting messages through its policies. He said that while the anti-drug campaign aimed to discourage narcotics, lowering liquor prices appeared to promote alcohol as an alternative. He also remarked that the Chief Minister and the Home Minister seemed to be sending different signals, adding that the public could clearly interpret the contradiction between policy announcements and awareness campaigns.
The BJP leader further alleged that the Congress had long-standing links with the liquor lobby, referring to his experience in Karnataka. According to Chandrasekhar, recent developments in Kerala suggested that this relationship continued to influence policy decisions. His remarks came amid political debate over the state budget proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, a move that has drawn criticism from the opposition while the government has defended its broader policy approach.