Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s decision to grant permission to a foreign liquor manufacturing company in Elappully, Palakkad, has been supported by the CPI, but the matter was not discussed within the party before arriving at the decision.

The CPI ministers raised the issue of the permission agenda with the state secretary before the cabinet meeting. After receiving no objections, they supported the decision in the meeting. 

The ministers received the meeting agenda the day before cabinet discussions. At that point, the CPI’s ministers and party secretary, Binoy Viswam, held informal consultations. The issue of granting permission to the liquor brewery was not brought up during the CPI state executive committee meeting either.

No local consultation in Palakkad

What has raised concerns is the lack of consultation with the Palakkad district unit, especially considering the area's high water scarcity. Senior CPI leaders have made it clear that if there is considerable local opposition, the party may need to reconsider its stance and support the region’s concerns.