Congress Protests Bar Timings Extension in Palakkad, Alleges Corruption

• Block Congress Committee (BCC) in Palakkad, Kerala, staged a protest against the state government’s decision to extend bar operating hours.
• Kerala government approved a two-hour extension, allowing bars, beer and wine parlours to operate from 10 am until midnight.
• Protesters symbolically poured liquor and burned an effigy of Kerala Excise Minister MB Rajesh, alleging corruption.
• District Congress Committee (DCC) president A Thankappan claimed the extension was due to a bribe deal between bar owners and the Excise Minister.
• Thankappan highlighted the government's 'special consideration' for bars while restricting loudspeakers in places of worship after 10 pm, pointing to 'clear corruption'.