The latest decision of the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government to increase the prices of liquor is only to help the TDP leaders make big money, YSR Congress party leader and former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy alleged on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Kakani said chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again started burdening the people by increasing liquor prices. Liquor shops which were under the government control in the past have been handed over to TDP leaders, who have subsequently raised prices to exploit consumers.
He pointed out that workers employed at liquor outlets have been dismissed, while unauthorized belt shops are operating under the supervision of local MLAs. Despite promising high-quality liquor at lower prices, the government has hiked rates, benefiting select individuals at the cost of the public.
Instead of ensuring revenue for the state, the TDP leadership is filling its own pockets, and a syndicate of vested interests has come together to exploit liquor consumers. From licensed liquor stores to illegal outlets, commissions are being collected by local TDP leaders, he said.
The liquor price hikes are part of a larger scheme, where commissions worth hundreds of crores are being collected. Massive amounts of cash are being funnelled to Chandrababu Naidu’s residence in Undavalli, facilitated by liquor traders who have struck deals with the government, he said.
Kakani estimated that nearly Rs. 3,000 crore per year would be funnelled into the pockets of the Chief Minister through these arrangements.
He also raised concerns over the misuse of technology, stating that liquor is now being delivered via WhatsApp, further proving that the government has completely neglected the welfare of the people.
