Pinarayi Vijayan's Ambitions Criticized by Congress
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Synopsis
The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, faces criticism from K. Sudhakaran of the Congress for prioritizing personal interests over state welfare, particularly regarding the approval of a liquor company project. The opposition vows to challenge the decision amidst growing concerns about water scarcity in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan criticized for prioritizing personal gain.
- Congress opposes Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd's project.
- Revathy Babu highlights water scarcity concerns.
- Political rivalry between Sudhakaran and Vijayan spans decades.
- Assembly discussions expected to focus on the controversy.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, is facing intense scrutiny from K. Sudhakaran, the State Congress President and MP from Kannur, who has accused him of placing his personal interests above the welfare of the state.
Sudhakaran stated, “Vijayan appears resolute in his ambition to be the last CPI-M Chief Minister of Kerala, as he concentrates solely on accumulating wealth for his family.”
The Congress leader made these remarks while discussing the contentious approval given to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd for establishing an ethanol plant, a multi-feed distillation unit, a liquor bottling facility, a brewery, a malt spirit unit, and a brandy/winery plant at Kanjikode in Palakkad. Notably, the owner of this company had previously faced imprisonment related to the Delhi excise liquor policy controversy.
Sudhakaran emphasized the commitment of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to oppose this initiative. “Just as we successfully halted the K-Rail project, we will ensure this liquor company does not operate in Kerala, irrespective of the Vijayan government's endorsement,” he asserted.
The approval for Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd was reportedly given during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, enabling the company to operate on a 26-acre site acquired two years prior in Palakkad. This decision has ignited significant backlash, with prominent Congress figures such as V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, and veteran legislator Ramesh Chennithala, accusing the government of circumventing regulations to favor the company.
Revathy Babu, the president of Kanjikode panchayat, has voiced her strong opposition to the project. “We have not issued any permissions. This area is already grappling with severe water scarcity, and such a plant would further deplete the water table. We cannot permit this firm to operate here,” she stated.
The matter is anticipated to dominate discussions in the Assembly when the session resumes on Monday, further intensifying criticism of the Vijayan administration.
Interestingly, both Sudhakaran and Vijayan originate from Kannur and have been political adversaries for over five decades, dating back to their college days.
