The Kerala Assembly witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday over the government’s proposal to levy a lower tax on low-alcohol beverages, with the Opposition staging protests after being denied an adjournment motion on the issue.

The Opposition had submitted a Rule 50 notice seeking a discussion through an adjournment motion. However, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan rejected the request, stating that the matter lacked the urgency required for such a motion and noting that members could raise the issue during the ongoing debate on the revised budget.

Following the ruling, Opposition legislators entered the well of the House, raised slogans and later gathered near the Speaker’s dais in protest.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the proposal was intended to favour a Karnataka-based liquor company and accused the government of attempting to make low-alcohol drinks as easily accessible as soft drinks. He further alleged that reducing the tax on low-alcohol beverages from 251% to 120% raised questions over the government's motives.

Despite the protests, the Speaker continued with the scheduled proceedings, prompting Opposition members to walk out. Chief Minister V D Satheesan objected to Pinarayi’s remarks, arguing that they were made even after permission for a discussion had been denied, and sought to have them removed from the Assembly records. The Speaker said he would examine the matter.