Tue Oct 28 08:33:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article version:

Summary:

Tensions are high in Elappully panchayat, Palakkad, Kerala, due to a proposed brewery project. CPI(M) workers, in support of the project, blockaded the panchayat office, preventing officials from attending a meeting scheduled to oppose it. They claimed their protest was against panchayat irregularities in other schemes. The Congress-led panchayat council, opposing the brewery, accuses CPI(M) of attempting to sabotage their meeting. Congress workers responded by blocking a major highway, demanding the removal of the CPI(M) blockade. The controversial brewery project has faced widespread opposition due to concerns over food safety and agriculture.

News Article:

Brewery Dispute Fuels Clashes in Kerala Panchayat

Palakkad, Kerala – October 28, 2025 – Tensions erupted in Elappully panchayat, Palakkad district, today as protests and counter-protests paralyzed the region over a controversial proposed brewery project. CPI(M) workers, backing the brewery, blockaded the gram panchayat office, preventing officials, including panchayat president Revathy Babu, from attending a scheduled governing council meeting intended to oppose the project.

The CPI(M) claimed their demonstration was motivated by alleged irregularities committed by the panchayat in the implementation of the Life Mission and drinking water schemes, vowing to prevent anyone from entering the office.

In response, Congress workers, led by Ms. Babu, blockaded the Pollachi-Palakkad highway, causing significant traffic disruption. Ms. Babu demanded police intervention to remove the CPI(M) blockade of the panchayat office, stating, “We are not going to their houses, we are going to the panchayat office to attend the board meeting. They have no right to stop us from doing so.”

The proposed brewery, sanctioned by the Kerala government, has been met with widespread opposition from various political parties and community groups, who cite concerns regarding food safety and potential damage to local agriculture. The CPI mouthpiece Janayugam has also called on the government to reconsider projects that conflict with public interests.

A strong police presence has been deployed to maintain order as the standoff continues. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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