Posted 1/16/2024, 9:30:23 AM
CPM Workers Force Closure of New Liquor Outlet in Kerala, Citing Violation of Alleged Deal with Bar Owners
- CPM workers forced a new ConsumerFed liquor outlet in Kasaragod to shut down after one day of business
- Outlet shutdown violated an "unwritten pact" made by CPM leader M V Govindan with bar owners when he was excise minister
- Pact said govt would not open liquor outlets within 2km of existing bars
- CPM workers accused leaders of taking bribes from a local bar owner to shut the outlet
- Outlet closure opposed by CITU-affiliated headload workers who expected jobs and business
- CPM later claimed outlet was mistake, but will reopen elsewhere per "abstinence" policy