Opposition seeks probe into temporary appointments at Malabar Distilleries as controversy erupts over recruitment process
Thiruvananthapuram, 27 May (H.S.): A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after Congress-backed organisations accused the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of facilitating alleged “backdoor appointments” at the state-owned Malabar Distilleries in Menonpara, Palakkad, ahead of the launch of its new liquor brand, Minnal Magic.
According to the protestors, nearly 90 temporary women workers were recruited through the Kudumbashree Additional Development Society (ADS) functioning under the CPM-controlled Nalleppilly Grama Panchayat. The organisations alleged that CPM leaders interfered in preparing the workers’ list and demanded a transparent investigation into the recruitment process.
Representatives of the protesting groups claimed that detailed complaints regarding the alleged irregularities had already been submitted to the company management as well as Excise Minister M. Liju. They urged the state government to intervene immediately and ensure transparency in all temporary appointments made at the distillery.
Congress leaders alleged that the appointments were politically motivated and designed to favour individuals linked to the ruling Left establishment during the final phase of the previous government’s tenure.
However, Malabar Distilleries officials strongly rejected the allegations, maintaining that the recruitment process was conducted strictly in accordance with existing guidelines and legal procedures.
Company authorities clarified that the temporary appointments were made through Kudumbashree units following directions issued earlier by the Kerala High Court in connection with the Travancore Sugars case.
“As per the court directive, temporary appointments must be carried out through Kudumbashree units functioning within the block where the institution is located. Based on this, Kudumbashree units from seven grama panchayats in the Chittur block were considered,” officials stated.
They further explained that 45 out of the 55 applicants had quoted the same rate during the selection process, forcing authorities to adopt a lottery system to finalise the agency. “Nalleppilly ADS was selected through a draw of lots,” the officials added.
Meanwhile, Chittur MLA Sumesh Achuthan dismissed the explanation offered by the authorities, describing it as “misleading and fabricated.” He alleged that the appointments reflected clear political favouritism and demanded that temporary recruitment be conducted through the Employment Exchange system instead.
The MLA also questioned the practicality of the recruitment process, claiming that women from distant areas such as Perumatty had been included in the worker list despite the long commute required to reach the distillery.
Despite the ongoing controversy, company officials confirmed that production activities linked to the Minnal Magic brandy project remain unaffected. Trial runs have reportedly been completed, and the new liquor brand is expected to reach BEVCO outlets across Kerala in the coming days.
(With inputs from H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 2:12 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 2:12 pm | News Categories: News
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