Ramesh Chennithala links breweries to graft

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has alleged corruption in the LDF government allowing three breweries and one distillery.

Mr Chennithala said the decision contradictory to its liquor policy was taken secretly, not even discussing in the cabinet.

He also said it violated a 1999 state government order against sanctioning new distilleries or breweries.

"That decision was taken considering protest when the E. K. Nayanar government was in power," he said.

"All the governments that succeeded also followed the order and did not allow new distilleries or breweries."

The Sreedharan Brewery Private Limited was permitted on June 12 to set up a manufacturing facility for five lakh cases of beer per month at Varam in Kannur.

Appollo Distilleries and Breweries was permitted on June 28 to set up a brewery for producing five lakh hectolitre beer annually at Elappully in Palakkad.

Sree Chakra Distillery was permitted on July 12 for a compounding, blending and bottling unit in Thrissur.

Power Infratec Private Limited was granted permission on Sept 5 to set up a brewery on a 10-acre land at KINFRA industrial park in Ernakulam, the Opposition leader said.

"This is a clear dilution or contradiction of LDF's liquor policy of promoting abstinence. Is the LDF government bringing down liquor availability by opening new distilleries and breweries?" he asked.

According to the government order allowing the brewery at KINFRA, the excise commissioner had recommended setting up of brewery citing that 40 per cent of the beer sold here were imports from other states.

It also pointed out that setting up the brewery in the state would bring revenue to the exchequer and would also generate employment.