The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has escalated the ongoing dispute over a proposed brewery in Elapully grama panchayat by moving a no-confidence motion against the United Democratic Front-led (UDF) panchayat governing body.
The political development showcases the deepening rift between the two fronts, with the CPI(M) seeking to capitalise on the controversy surrounding the brewery project. The UDF, which opposes the brewery, will now face a crucial test of its leadership and unity in the panchayat.
The motion will be taken up for discussion on Friday. If the motion succeeds, then the UDF will lose power in Elapully at a time when the local body elections in the State are only a few months away.
“Will nit win”
“It’s nothing but political. The CPI(M) is in a difficult position. They will not win, especially as the people of Elapully are unitedly opposing the brewery,” said Rameshan D., panchayat member and the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) district secretary.
The UDF currently holds power in the 22-member panchayat with nine members. The Opposition is divided between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) with eight members and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with five members. The BJP, which opposes the brewery, is unlikely to support the CPI(M) motion, and may instead abstain from voting.
What provoked the CPI(M) to move a no-confidence motion against the governing body was the resolution the panchayat adopted against the brewery. The panchayat also had criticised the State government for sanctioning a brewery without consulting it. When the UDF and the BJP supported the resolution against the government decision, the CPI(M) had taken a neutral stand.
But soon the CPI(M) changed its position and started arguing for the brewery, saying that the liquor plant would generate employment for the people in the panchayat. However, the Congress and the BJP argue that the proposed brewery will worsen the water scarcity in the panchayat. Elapully is one of the panchayats in the eastern part of Palakkad district falling under the rain shadow region.
Water scarcity
“Water scarcity in our region is increasing day by day. If Tamil Nadu does not release more water into the Bharathapuzha, then our agriculture will suffer badly. Even in February, we have already started feeling the drought,” said Sivan Kozhippara, a social worker from Elapully.
The CPI(M) has moved the no-confidence motion with an eye on an ongoing internal strife within the Congress in Elapully. However, the Congress leadership is learned to have made timely interventions to prevent the party losing power in Elapully.
Published – February 13, 2025 06:28 pm IST