Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh Dismisses Congress Allegations on Brewery Permission as Politically Motivated

Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh has dismissed allegations of corruption by the opposition Congress regarding a private liquor company's brewery approval in Palakkad district. He described these accusations as politically driven, aimed at gaining internal party advantages. The Congress leaders, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, had questioned the permission granted to Oasis Commercial Pvt Ltd, suggesting corruption was involved.

Rajesh clarified that the company approached the government with an investment proposal, which was approved following existing rules. He emphasised that tenders are not required for such proposals, questioning if licenses for bars and hotels or past distilleries were ever tendered. The minister highlighted the government's stance on permitting spirit and ethanol production in Kerala.

Opposition's Concerns Over Environmental Impact

Satheesan and Chennithala have demanded the withdrawal of the cabinet's decision, citing potential environmental harm and public interest neglect. They argued that Palakkad already suffers from water scarcity, which could worsen as the brewery might consume around 5 crore litres of groundwater annually for liquor production.

The Congress leaders also pointed out that liquor manufacturing has been restricted in Kerala for 26 years due to a policy decision made in 1999. They claimed that applications for such ventures were typically denied based on this longstanding policy. The cabinet's recent approval for Oasis to establish a plant at Kanjikode in Palakkad was given under existing guidelines.

Rajesh further explained that petroleum companies require ethanol for fuel blending, and Kerala aims to produce it by authorising Oasis. He noted that the company has been shortlisted by the Centre for ethanol production, reinforcing the legitimacy of the decision. According to Rajesh, these allegations arise from a lack of substantial issues to address.

The minister reiterated that all necessary guidelines and conditions would be adhered to in granting approval to Oasis. This decision aligns with the state's broader strategy to support ethanol production, meeting both industrial needs and regulatory standards. The ongoing political debate underscores differing perspectives on economic development and environmental sustainability in Kerala.