Opposition stages walkout over Abkari policy

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 14 (UNI) The Congress-led Opposition staged a walkout in the Kerala Assembly today after Speaker K Radhakrishnan refused leave for an adjournment motion on the Abkari policy of the government.

Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy sought a thorough discussion on the policy in the context of ''substantial changes'' brought in by the government making the 12-year-old arrack ban ineffective.

Opposing the demand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Vijayakumar said there was no need for a discussion on the issue by suspending the business of the House as the members would get ample opportunities to express their views during the ongoing budget discussion.

Even though the Speaker agreed to allow a submission on the issue, the Opposition members walked out of the House sticking to their demand for moving an adjournment motion.

UNI