Murmurs of discontent in the CPI as ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala arrives at decisions its second-largest constituent vehemently opposes.
Published Feb 22, 2025 | 12:13 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 22, 2025 | 12:13 PM
CPI's renovated state head office - M N Smarakom
Synopsis: Environmentalists and even the CPI oppose the decision to set up the brewery in Elappully, Palakkad, which could deplete groundwater; yet the decision is now taken and the state government asserts it will not go back on it. The decision to impose a toll on roads funded by KIIFB has also been taken overriding the protests of the CPI.
The Communist Party of India (CPI), the second-largest constituent in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, finds itself sidelined when it comes to key policy decisions — the permission for a controversial brewery in Elappully, Palakkad, was granted despite the opposition of the CPI; the decision to impose tolls on Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded roads too was taken despite protests from the CPI.
The sidelining of the party unfolded as a theme of discussion at the first-ever LDF meeting held at the CPI’s newly renovated state headquarters, M.N. Memorial in Thiruvananthapuram on 19 February.
The meeting exposed fissures within the front and raised questions about CPI’s relevance within the ruling coalition.
Despite strong opposition from the CPI, the CPI(M)-led LDF pushed ahead with the brewery project. There are concerns about impending groundwater depletion in Palakkad, a district that already faces water scarcity.
The irony is that CPI, which earlier took a firm stand against the plant in two consecutive executive committee meetings, was forced to swallow its opposition at the very venue where those decisions were made.
The LDF also green-lit toll collection on KIIFB-funded roads — another decision the party opposed.
The CPI(M) defended these moves, arguing that KIIFB’s financial sustainability required new revenue streams. The CPI has consistently advocated against tolls on public infrastructure.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the BJP wasted no time in targeting the CPI, describing the situation as “complete capitulation” to the CPI(M).
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan ridiculed the CPI’s inability to hold its ground.
“The CPI leadership had taken a clear stand against the brewery. But in front of the CPI(M), it simply surrendered. This is not the first time; we have seen this happen repeatedly. The CPI used to make noise before meetings, but when the time comes, they just nod and agree,” Satheesan said.
BJP state president K. Surendran was even more scathing, saying the CPI was “a party without a backbone.”
“The CPI has once again proven that barking dogs don’t bite. Their leaders made tall claims about opposing the brewery, but in the end, they bowed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The CPI is deceiving the people of Elappully,” he said, inaugurating a BJP protest against the brewery in Palakkad.
Adding to CPI’s humiliation, Satheesan took a personal jab at the party, saying, “Normally, the Chief Minister does this at the AKG Centre. This time, he went to the MN Memorial and dictated terms to them in their own house.”
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, however, defended his party’s stand, insisting that it had made its position on the liquor plant clear.
“The CPI has always stood for environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources. Our opposition to the brewery is rooted in concerns about groundwater depletion. We made our arguments strongly at the LDF meeting, but the final decision was taken otherwise. That does not mean we have compromised on our principles,” Viswam told the media.
Within the CPI, though, murmurs of discontent are growing.
The party’s Palakkad district leadership, which had taken a firm stand against the brewery citing drinking water scarcity and the region’s agrarian distress, is deeply disappointed.
Local leaders argue that the state leadership should have fought harder to prevent the project from being approved.
“We had made it clear that while we support industries, a brewery is not acceptable in Palakkad. There is a severe water shortage. If the CPI cannot ensure that its own resolutions are respected within the LDF, what does that say about our relevance?” a local CPI leader asked.
The leader further added, “Of the 20 ministers, our party had four (K Rajan, G R Anil, P Prasad and J Chinju Rani). But they are not able to persuade the CPI(M) to reconsider these decisions.”
The Palakkad unit had cited the precedent of the Plachimada agitation, which saw a prolonged struggle against Coca-Cola’s groundwater extraction.
Despite these strong objections, the LDF refused to reconsider or postpone the decision.
It is said apart from the RJD, no other LDF constituent backed CPI’s position.
The CPI(M) has sought to downplay talk of a rift in the coalition, claiming the decision was taken collectively.
“There was a detailed discussion, and all parties were given a chance to present their views. Ultimately, governance requires difficult decisions. The CPI(M) has always stood for industrial development with environmental safeguards,” said a senior CPI(M) leader.
However, critics within the CPI argue that the LDF meeting was a mere formality; the CPI(M) had already made up its mind.
“The CPI(M)’s approach is simple: ‘We will listen, but we will not change our decision.’ This time, too, they bulldozed through our objections. If the CPI keeps backing down, what message does that send to our cadre?” a CPI insider lamented.
Party sources say the latest episode reignited a long-standing debate about the CPI’s place in the LDF.
The party, which prides itself on having a distinct identity within the Left, is increasingly seen as playing second fiddle to the CPI(M).
The CPI had earlier managed to flex its muscles on issues like the ADGP Ajith Kumar controversy (when the senior police officer was found hobnobbing with RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabele).
The Elappully brewery and KIIFB toll decisions, though, have again exposed the party’s limitations.
For many within the CPI, the key concern is whether the party is becoming merely a symbolic presence in the LDF.
Senior leaders worry that the perception of being overruled repeatedly could weaken the party’s credibility among its supporters.
(Rosamma Thomas)
