Decision on liquor must come through UDF, says IUML

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday said any decision on the proposed tax cut on soft drinks would be taken only after discussions within the United Democratic Front (UDF), aligning itself with Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s stance.

IUML state general secretary PMA Salam said the party’s longstanding anti-liquor policy remained unchanged. “We will raise our concerns in the UDF meeting and a decision on the matter will be taken only after discussions within the UDF as the Chief Minister said,” Salam told The Hindu.

State Secretary Abdurahman Randathani also said it was premature to draw conclusions before the UDF discussed the proposal. “Let the UDF discuss the matter and take a decision,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Local Government Minister KM Shaji said the IUML does not support the proposed tax cuts. “We are against liquor irrespective of its alcohol content. This is the position that our president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal has clearly expressed,” he said.

However, Mr. Shaji said the party would abide by the collective decision of the Cabinet even if it differed from the IUML’s stand. “There are decisions in the coalition that we don’t have to agree with, but we have to accept them,” he said.

He added that the UDF had secured a mandate from all sections of the society and that “the public mandate cannot be reversed in the name of any protest”.

Mr. Thangal had earlier said that the IUML was against the promotion of liquor, irrespective of its alcohol content. He later reiterated that the government should address public concerns about the issue.

Party sources said the IUML, recognizing the sensitivity of the issue, has decided not to publicly confront the UDF over its liquor policy. Instead, he will continue to repeat his longstanding opposition to all forms of liquor.

Published – 02 Jul 2026 21:19 IST