Kerala politician accuses government of brewery corruption

V.T. Balram, the vice president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has accused the state government of corruption. He made these claims regarding the approval of a new brewery in Elappully, a town in Palakkad district. Balram spoke during a protest event on Sunday. This event was led by Majush Mathew, the president of Karshaka Congress, and is part of a larger 100-hour demonstration against the brewery. The protest began at Anchuvilakku junction on Saturday. Balram criticized the State Excise department for ignoring the concerns of local farmers. He stated that granting permission for the brewery, especially in a region struggling with water issues, shows the government's disregard for farmers' needs. He referenced the Plachimada agitation, urging the government to remember its history of conflicting interests with local communities. The protest was attended by various local leaders, including Kallikkattu Rajendran, P.M. Niyas, Sumesh Achuthan, and B. Iqbal, who all voiced their support for the farmers’ cause.