Barely days after unveiling its first budget, the V D Satheesan government has come under pressure from within the Congress over two contentious proposals, with senior leaders expressing reservations and the party high command signalling concern.
The controversy erupted after veteran Congress leader V M Sudheeran publicly opposed the proposal to levy a lower tax on low-alcohol beverages and the plan to allow private participation in mineral sand mining. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal later indicated that such policy matters would be discussed within the party, a remark widely interpreted as reflecting the leadership’s unease.
Sudheeran, who had strongly supported Satheesan’s elevation as chief minister and is considered his political mentor, has maintained long-standing objections to both issues. Party insiders say his dissatisfaction has also been fuelled by the government’s handling of certain matters.
According to senior Congress leaders, the immediate provocation was the lack of response to Sudheeran’s demand for an inquiry into the death of former SNDP Yogam leader K K Mahesan, for which he had sought action against Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. His criticism of the government’s key proposals is being viewed as a sign of growing discontent within the party.
Leaders said the high command has taken note of Sudheeran’s remarks, and Venugopal’s call for internal discussions has added to the pressure on the chief minister.
Excise Minister M Liju, who was reportedly unhappy over not being consulted on the proposal concerning low-alcohol beverages, has accepted the finance department’s authority on taxation. However, sources said he has directed officials to inform liquor companies that no decision has been taken on granting licences for the manufacture of such beverages in the state. Officials in the excise department are also understood to favour a strict approach without any concessions.
Supporters of the chief minister maintain that the proposals reflect a forward-looking vision aimed at meeting the aspirations of younger generations. They describe the controversy as a clash between competing ideas over Kerala’s future.
The debate has also expanded to Satheesan’s broader economic agenda, particularly his plan to develop Kerala into a port-driven economy through public-private partnerships under Mission Samudra. Critics within the Congress and several experts argue that the approach departs from the UDF’s traditional emphasis on protecting small-scale fishermen and strengthening the coastal economy.
As the government prepares a new excise policy, unease has reportedly spread among several UDF constituents. There are also concerns that the proposals could invite resistance from influential Christian and Muslim organisations.
