Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) – Kerala's Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, on Monday alleged that the CPI(M)-led state government had violated norms by inviting Oasis Commercial Private Ltd—an entity operating in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab—to establish a brewery in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Satheesan dismissed Excise Minister M B Rajesh’s claim that the company had approached the government independently, calling it a "lie." The minister, who was in Kochi, refrained from responding to the allegations.
Satheesan backed his claims with documents, pointing to the application submitted by Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) in 2023. The company had sought approval to participate in an Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) tender for ethanol supply.
Quoting the company's statement from its application, he said, “As per Niti Aayog’s direction and the state government’s invitation, we are desirous of setting up a world-class 500 KLPD capacity ethanol plant with an investment of Rs 600-650 crore, to be developed in phases depending on the availability of necessary resources.”
"This statement proves that the government had indeed invited the company, contradicting Minister Rajesh’s claims," Satheesan asserted, urging the minister to release all official communications between the government and Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd. He further alleged a "major conspiracy" behind the deal.
The Congress leader also reiterated allegations that BRS leader K Kavitha, an accused in the Delhi liquor policy scam and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, had visited Kerala in connection with securing approval for a brewery in Palakkad.
Kavitha dismissed the accusations as "baseless and defamatory," warning of legal action if Satheesan did not retract his statements. However, he maintained that "Kavitha arrived in Kerala for the Oasis Commercial Private Limited Company."
Last month, the Kerala cabinet had approved Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd’s proposal to establish the brewery in Kanchikode, Palakkad, subject to regulatory compliance. However, the Congress has questioned the permission, alleging corruption in the decision. The party-ruled Elappully panchayat, where the brewery is proposed, has also opposed the project.
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