The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key partner in Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has voiced strong opposition to the proposed liquor manufacturing unit in Elappully, Palakkad. During a state executive meeting in Alappuzha, the party decided to firmly oppose the project, citing its potential to worsen the water scarcity and harm the environment in the region. This stance follows mounting protests from CPI’s district leadership in Palakkad, who criticized the state government for approving the project without prior consultation within the LDF coalition.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, along with other leaders, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision-making process and demanded a review. The district executive had previously written to Viswam, urging the withdrawal of the government’s approval for the liquor unit. Highlighting Palakkad’s drinking water crisis, the CPI warned that the project could lead to significant ecological damage by violating wetland and waste management regulations.
Recalling the infamous Plachimada protests against Coca-Cola’s water exploitation and pollution, the party drew parallels to the Elappully situation. The Plachimada incident, along with Puthussery’s resistance against Pepsi’s water extraction, showcased the long-standing public opposition to large-scale water usage by corporations in Palakkad. The CPI urged the LDF leadership to reconsider the liquor project, cautioning against a repeat of such contentious scenarios that could lead to public unrest and legal challenges.
