Keywords: Kerala politics, cash-counting machine, UDF, LDF, Excise Minister, M.B. Rajesh, liquor policy, corruption allegations
The cash-counting machine trope has made a dramatic return to Kerala politics, stirring memories of its contentious past. Last utilized in 2016 by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) against the then-Oommen Chandy government, it is now being wielded by the United Democratic Front (UDF) to target the current LDF administration. The UDF, led by Youth Congress workers, staged a protest outside Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding his resignation over allegations of corruption.
In 2016, the LDF had used the metaphorical cash-counting machine to highlight alleged corruption in the liquor policy of the Oommen Chandy government. The political fallout was significant, leading to the removal of two United Democratic Front (UDF) ministers from their Cabinet positions, although subsequent anti-corruption investigations yielded no results.
Now, the UDF has accused the LDF government of engaging in similar corrupt practices, alleging that promises to lift dry days and extend bar timings are linked to substantial kickbacks from the liquor lobby. This accusation has set the stage for what is expected to be a stormy Assembly session and a season of street protests, reminiscent of the political turmoil of 2016.
The reemergence of the cash-counting machine metaphor underscores the enduring nature of political tactics in Kerala, where accusations of corruption and misuse of power remain potent tools for both the ruling and opposition parties. As the UDF presses for Minister M.B. Rajesh’s resignation, the coming days are likely to witness heightened political tension and scrutiny over the integrity of the LDF government’s dealings in liquor policy.
