Left govt. distances itself from Bevco’s liquor-naming contest amid Church criticism

The Kerala government on Wednesday sought to distance itself from the public naming contest announced by the Kerala State Beverage Corporation (Bevco) for a new brandy to be produced at its revived distillery in Palakkad district; However, the move drew harsh criticism from the anti-liquor committee backed by the Catholic Church.

Excise Minister MB Rajesh said on Wednesday that the government had no role in the decision. He said the advertisement, which invited the public to suggest a name and logo for the liquor brand, was released by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation, which operates as a company.

Distillery revival

He said the state’s intervention was limited to reviving a distillery that had been closed for almost two decades. “The government’s role was only to bring back a closed unit,” Mr. Rajesh said.

Mr. Rajesh said revival of the company at Chittur in Palakkad was a promise made by the ruling Left Democratic Front in its election manifesto. He said the unit will open in February 2026. He said the new initiative will create many employment opportunities. The minister also claimed that the Opposition United Democratic Front had earlier demanded revival of the Chittur unit while protesting against the government’s move to allow the setting up of a distillery in Elappully.

‘tracking advertising’

Meanwhile, the Balance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) condemned the contest, calling it a form of proxy advertising and violation of excise norms. It warned that such initiatives encourage alcohol consumption and send the wrong message, especially to children and young people, and called on the government to intervene and withdraw the decision.

The brandy will be produced at Bevco’s Palakkad distillery as part of the State’s efforts to increase in-house liquor production and reduce dependence on sources from outside Kerala. Officials said the project also aims to increase revenue.

However, the Church group argues that income considerations should not take precedence over social responsibility.