Minister alleges conspiracy

Excise Minister M B Rajesh has accused opposition parties of opposing the government's approval for a brewery in Palakkad district for political gain. He criticized the opposition for consistently opposing development projects in the state, suggesting that their protests are driven by internal party competition.
Opposition leaders, including V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala of the Congress party, have alleged corruption in the approval process. They claim that the decision lacks transparency and was made hastily ahead of the Palakkad by-election. Satheesan accused Minister Rajesh of acting as a "propaganda manager" and demanded a withdrawal of the cabinet's decision.
Local concerns have also emerged from the Elappully panchayat, where the brewery is proposed to be established. Panchayat president Revathi Babu expressed fears that the brewery could exacerbate the area's existing water scarcity. An urgent meeting has been convened to discuss the potential impact on local water resources.
In response to these concerns, Minister Rajesh reiterated that the approval process adhered to all legal requirements. He highlighted that the government's policy supports the production of ethanol within the state, aligning with national objectives for fuel blending. Rajesh also pointed out that Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd has been shortlisted by the central government for ethanol production, underscoring the legitimacy of the project.
The controversy has led to protests by both the Congress and BJP at the proposed project site. Demonstrators argue that the brewery could worsen the drinking water crisis in the region. Palakkad MP V K Sreekantan criticized the government's decision, emphasizing the area's severe water shortage and questioning the timing of the approval. Open URL