CPM backs out from Bevco stir

KOZHIKODE: Opposition to a beverages outlet in Thottilpalam was supposed to unite the residents, irrespective of their political affiliations. And it did at first. However, when the protests crossed more than 20 days, one faction withdrew and the outlet was opened on Sunday. CPM local leaders, who backed out from the protest, now say that the outlet did not affect public life and it was unnecessary to take the protest forward. However, Congress leaders say that their opponents, including the panchayat president, who called the joint committee meeting and was the patron of the action council should be made answerable for "cheating" the residents.

“The Consumerfed outlet was shifted from Kuttiady and earlier it was planned in Maruthonkara. As protests mounted, it was shifted to Thottilpalam, and a joint protest was planned. Though it was started by Congress party workers, after two days, all parties joined and president Annamma George called an all-party meeting and protests marches were held,” said Robin Joseph, Congress constituency secretary. He added that party directions, prompted by the Excise department to the CPM, led the party to back out from the protest. However, CPM area secretary K. Krishnan said that the protests were planned when the outlet was planned in a residential area, and the current location would not affect public life.