Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 4 (PTI) – The ruling CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala have attributed the opposition to the proposed brewery in Palakkad district to the influence of Karnataka’s liquor lobby. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan defended the state government's decision, stating that Kerala already has a policy in place for manufacturing sufficient alcohol within the state.
Speaking to reporters, Ramakrishnan acknowledged receiving a letter from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), an LDF ally, requesting discussions on the brewery issue. "We are open to discussing any issue raised by our alliance partners," he said. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan echoed this stance, emphasizing that the party is willing to engage in discussions on the matter.
Govindan further alleged that the opposition to the project stems from Karnataka’s liquor industry, which fears losing its market share in Kerala. "The liquor lobby in Congress-ruled Karnataka is worried about the impact of the brewery's production on their sales," he claimed while addressing the media in Idukki.
The Kerala government had recently approved a proposal by Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd. to set up the brewery, with the condition that it adheres to existing regulations and guidelines. However, the move has faced strong resistance from the opposition Congress and BJP, who argue that the project will exacerbate water scarcity in Elappully village, located in Kanchikode, Palakkad district.
According to the opposition, the brewery is expected to consume at least five lakh litres of water per day, an unsustainable demand for a region already grappling with water shortages. Additionally, allegations of large-scale irregularities in granting permission to Oasis have further fueled their opposition to the project.
As the controversy continues to escalate, the LDF remains firm in its support for the brewery, while the opposition intensifies its resistance, citing environmental and ethical concerns.
Speaking to reporters, Ramakrishnan acknowledged receiving a letter from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), an LDF ally, requesting discussions on the brewery issue. "We are open to discussing any issue raised by our alliance partners," he said. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan echoed this stance, emphasizing that the party is willing to engage in discussions on the matter.
Govindan further alleged that the opposition to the project stems from Karnataka’s liquor industry, which fears losing its market share in Kerala. "The liquor lobby in Congress-ruled Karnataka is worried about the impact of the brewery's production on their sales," he claimed while addressing the media in Idukki.
The Kerala government had recently approved a proposal by Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd. to set up the brewery, with the condition that it adheres to existing regulations and guidelines. However, the move has faced strong resistance from the opposition Congress and BJP, who argue that the project will exacerbate water scarcity in Elappully village, located in Kanchikode, Palakkad district.
According to the opposition, the brewery is expected to consume at least five lakh litres of water per day, an unsustainable demand for a region already grappling with water shortages. Additionally, allegations of large-scale irregularities in granting permission to Oasis have further fueled their opposition to the project.
As the controversy continues to escalate, the LDF remains firm in its support for the brewery, while the opposition intensifies its resistance, citing environmental and ethical concerns.
