Palakkad: Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh has accused opposition parties of protesting the permission granted to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd to establish a brewery in Palakkad district for political advantage. The minister’s remarks come amid growing opposition against the project.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Rajesh criticised the opposition for opposing development initiatives in Kerala. He said, “They (the opposition) only know how to oppose everything, regardless of the development initiatives.” He questioned, "Is there any initiative they don't try to create concerns about among the public?"
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Rajesh listed several projects that have been opposed by the opposition, including the national highway development, GAIL pipeline project, K-Rail, the Water Metro, and the Vizhinjam port.
The minister also noted that prominent Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, were competing to gain political advantage within their party. He suggested that their opposition to the brewery project was driven by internal party competition.
Minister assures clarity on brewery concerns
In response to opposition concerns regarding the brewery, Rajesh assured that all doubts would be addressed as the government had only granted initial approval for the project. "We will provide clarifications and resolve all doubts," he said. The minister also emphasized that the approval for the ethanol manufacturing plant was granted in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticised the Excise Minister, accusing him of acting as a "propaganda manager" and suggesting that the approval was granted just before the Palakkad by-election. Satheesan alleged that the deal lacked transparency and was linked to corruption.
Local panchayat protests against brewery project
The Elappully panchayat, where the brewery is proposed to be set up, has voiced opposition to the project, citing concerns about water shortages in the region. Panchayat president Revathi Babu announced an urgent meeting to discuss the issue, saying, “If the brewery unit is set up, it will dwindle the water resources in the area, which is facing severe water shortage already.”
Both Congress and BJP held protests on Sunday at the project site, raising concerns that the brewery would exacerbate the drinking water crisis in the region. Palakkad MP V K Sreekantan also criticised the government's decision, saying the approval was granted at a time when the area is already facing a severe water shortage.
Agency
Published: 20 Jan 2025, 08:43 am IST
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