The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a constituent of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, has urged the state government to temporarily suspend all procedures related to the proposed brewery unit until discussions are held within the alliance. Speaking to the media after the party’s state leadership meeting, RJD Secretary General Varghese announced that a formal letter would be submitted to the LDF convenor, requesting an internal dialogue on the issue.
Varghese raised multiple concerns surrounding the project, including environmental impact, panchayat approval, and the availability of drinking water. He emphasized that significant decisions such as this must be approved by all LDF constituents before being implemented. “When the cabinet takes a decision of this magnitude, it is essential that the front is consulted, which has not happened in this case,” he stated.
With the project already facing public protests, the RJD leadership concluded that further steps should be halted until a thorough discussion takes place. Drawing parallels with the past agitation against the Coca-Cola plant in Plachimada, Palakkad, Varghese remarked that if a multinational corporation’s operations could be shut down over similar concerns, reconsidering the brewery project would not be difficult.
The party also expressed growing concern over the rise in alcohol consumption in Kerala, stressing that increased liquor availability is negatively affecting the state’s social fabric. The meeting suggested introducing stricter regulations to curb excessive drinking and ensure responsible liquor policies.
RJD’s decision to push for an internal debate on the matter has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy, highlighting internal differences within the ruling LDF over liquor policy and industrial projects.
