The controversy surrounding the proposed Oasis Commercial Brewery in Elappully panchayat took a new turn on Wednesday when Puthussery panchayat offered to supply enough river water for the project.
The CPI(M)-ruled Puthussery panchayat decided to supply water to the Oasis Commercial brewery project, overriding opposition from Congress and BJP members. The panchayat will provide water from the Walayar and Korayar rivers, potentially paving the way for the implementation of the project.
The Puthussery panchayat governing body debated Oasis Commercial’s demand for water supply, with Congress and BJP members opposing it citing drinking water and agricultural needs. The matter was put to a vote, nine members, including two independents, supported the water supply move and outweighed the opposition.
Cong., BJP at a public meeting
The Congress and the BJP have warned that they will mobilize public opposition if the panchayat continues to supply water to Oasis Commercial.
The Congress-led Elapully panchayat has denied permission for the Oasis Commercial brewery project. All major parties, except the CPI(M), are against the construction of a brewery in Elapully panchayat.
Parties including the Congress, the BJP and the CPI share concerns that the brewery could threaten food security and damage agriculture in the area.
Elapulla grama panchayat’s efforts to take legal action against Oasis Commercial faced strong opposition from CPI(M) members. The CPI(M) blocked the panchayat office on Tuesday, preventing officials from discussing the anti-brewery agenda.
A row in the panchayat
BJP members accused panchayat secretaries of supporting the CPI(M)’s stand on the brewery, sparking heated exchanges during a special council meeting. The discussion on the brewing issue became contentious with verbal clashes between members.
The Congress and the BJP have accused the CPI(M) of trying to facilitate the Oasis Commercial brewery project through dubious means, namely the offer of water supply from the Walayar and Korayar rivers.
Assembly of Christian Trust Services (ACTS) general secretary George Sebastian has warned the CPI(M) that it will face consequences for allegedly working with Oasis Commercial to promote liquor production in Kerala. The CPI(M) has betrayed the interests of the state, he said.
Criticizing the CPI(M) stand, Mr. Sebastian said, “The CPI(M) has further tarnished its image with Puthussery panchayat’s decision to supply water to the brewery. It is shameful that the CPI(M) is running the state by relying on liquor and lottery.”
He said the people of Kerala will not allow another liquor factory in the state even if all the panchayats pass a resolution for it.
Published – 29 Oct 2025 19:58 IST
