Express News Service By

KOCHI: The major aim of the Congress-led government is to implement total liquor ban in the state in a phase to phase manner, KPCC president V M Sudheeran said here on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters after receiving the Chevalier K J Berly memorial award instituted by the KLCA here, he said that after the cancellation of licences of 418 bars, the number of accident cases and domestic violence have came down drastically in state.

“After the licence of 418 bars were cancelled, the number of cases related to domestic violence, especially crimes against women and children have come down drastically in state, which is a good sign,” said Sudheeran.The decision by the Government was taken with an intention to bring social prosperity.

“I am glad that the political establishment is now discussing the issues related to liquor ban on a serious note. While some are in favour of the move, some others oppose it. Anyhow serious discussions are going on,” he said.

Sudheeran also said that the difference of opinion on the issue is not because of the factional feud in the Congress. “The difference of opinion is not because of the factional feud. This is not about power politics or political tug of war. Some people are taking it as an opportunity to criticise the Congress by projecting it as a part of the factional feud,” he added.

Earlier, after receiving the award, Sudheeran said that he had got even threatening calls from some vested interests for his strong stand against the sale of liquor and support for a liquor ban in the state.

Archbishop of Archdiocese of Verapoly Francis Kallarackal presented the award to Sudheeran.

Dominic Presentation MLA, Loudi Louis MLA and Mayor Tony Chammany were also present.