Kerala government revokes bakery hortiwine licence amid political row

UPDATE - follow-up to Excise department order allowing bakery to stock, sell hortiwine lands UDF government in controversy: The Congress-led United Democratic Front government in Kerala quickly distanced itself from an Excise Department order that allowed a bakery in Chalakudy, Thrissur, to stock and sell hortiwine, a 15% proof alcoholic drink made from farm produce.

Official Actions And Reactions

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan raised objections to the unconsulted order, which permitted off-the-shelf sales ahead of the Christmas-New Year season. Excise Minister M. Liju revoked the licence, requested a report from the Excise Commissioner, and noted that the decision infringed on government policy-making. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader M.B. Rajesh called the reversal a political stunt and a sign of administrative dysfunction, adding that the previous LDF government had amended rules in 2024 but never issued actual licences due to social sensitivities.

Context

This follows an earlier controversy in June 2026 when the UDF government faced criticism from religious groups, prohibitionist activists, and toddy workers over a budget proposal to sell low-proof alcopops. Excise rules and liquor policies in Kerala often spark intense political debates involving various political parties and social organisations.