Congress in Kerala Critiques Left Allies Over Brewery License Silence
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Synopsis
On February 20, senior Congress leaders in Kerala criticized CPI and RJD for their silence on the brewery license issue in Palakkad. They condemned the Left government's approval and highlighted the potential environmental harm.
Key Takeaways
- Congress leaders condemned CPI and RJD for silence.
- Approval for brewery raises environmental concerns.
- Opposition parties vow to block the project.
- Vijayan's decision reflects dominance over allies.
- Concerns over political influence from Oasis.
Kochi, Feb 20 (NationPress) Senior Congress leaders on Thursday condemned the CPI and RJD -- both partners of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's CPI(M)-led Left government -- for their silence regarding the contentious approval for a brewery and other alcohol production facilities in Palakkad district.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan described it as shameful that the CPI and RJD did not voice any objections during the Left Democratic Front (LDF) assembly held on Wednesday evening.
“What’s most shocking is that the meeting took place at the CPI’s state party headquarters, where the party confirmed that there is no backing down from the license granted to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd. This company has been authorized to set up an ethanol plant, a multi-feed distillation unit, an Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant, and a brandy/winery plant on a 26-acre site in Kanjikode, Palakkad,” Satheesan stated.
“It’s disgraceful that Vijayan made this announcement at the CPI office while its leaders remained silent. This reflects how intimidated the allies are by him. Vijayan has imposed his decision on them, and they lack the courage to oppose,” he added.
Additionally, senior Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala, who visited Palakkad on Thursday, indicated that the CPI and RJD, which initially objected, now seem to have been swayed by the company.
“We anticipated CPI and RJD to contest this decision, but they have submissively yielded to Vijayan. These parties lack the backbone to stand up to him due to fears of political repercussions. Regrettably, even State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh is now acting like a public relations officer for Oasis,” Chennithala claimed.
Congress leaders also highlighted that Oasis’s senior official and TRS leader K. Kavitha -- both of whom were imprisoned in the Delhi excise policy case -- were involved in the arrangement with the Vijayan government.
Both the Congress and the BJP have strongly denounced the government's decision, labeling it a blatant breach of rules and regulations. They contend that the plant would be harmful to Palakkad, a district already facing water scarcity, and would lead to significant environmental pollution.
The opposition parties have pledged to obstruct the project at all costs.
