PALAKKAD: The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala has reportedly fast-tracked the controversial Rs. 635 crore brewery and distillery project in Elappully, Palakkad, allegedly to generate funds for the upcoming elections. The move has ignited a fresh political storm, with the government pushing to override departmental objections and local resistance.
The project, spearheaded by Oasis Commercial Private Limited, is a massive undertaking that includes an ethanol plant, distillery, and brewery. Reports indicate that Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh and Industries Minister P. Rajeev have been tasked with overseeing the fund-raising efforts linked to the project and other liquor policy changes, including granting new bar licenses to all applicants.
Single Window Clearance to Override Opposition
The Kerala State Single Window Clearance Board, under the Industries Department, is reportedly moving the brewery project forward at today’s meeting, aiming to coordinate various departmental approvals that have been stalled due to objections.
The company’s application to exempt its land from the purview of the Land Reforms Act and its request for wetland conversion have been major hurdles. Of the 24 acres acquired in Mannukkad, Elappully, approximately three and a half acres are listed in the data bank as paddy or wetland. The CPI-controlled Agriculture Department had raised strong objections to the land conversion request.
Despite the Congress-ruled Elappully Panchayat raising strong objections and a local protest movement gaining momentum over fears of severe water depletion in the already water-scarce region, the Industry Department appears determined to push ahead, disregarding local sentiment with elections approaching.
Controversial Company and Corruption Charges
The company at the heart of the row, Oasis Commercial Private Limited, is itself under scrutiny, having faced investigations related to corruption and money laundering in connection with liquor scams in states like Punjab and Delhi. The Kerala Cabinet had granted the company a license for alcohol manufacturing in January, even after the Revenue Department had previously rejected the land conversion request.
Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh, however, has publicly defended the project, claiming it will offer significant job opportunities and a major boost to local agriculture. He stated that the plant would use cassava, spoiled rice, and vegetable waste as raw materials, promising farmers a higher price for their produce.
Yet, local residents, supported by the Congress, BJP, and even the CPI unit in Palakkad, are adamant in their opposition, citing the risk of acute water exploitation. A recent attempt by the company to clean the project site was successfully thwarted by a public action committee and local political activists. The Palakkad CPI District Committee has also passed a resolution against the plant, highlighting a clear rift within the ruling Left Democratic Front coalition.
