Jaganmohan Reddy Accuses Chandrababu of Liquor Mafia and Corruption in New Policy
Former Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, leader of the YCP, has launched a scathing attack on the coalition government's new liquor policy, accusing Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating a massive corruption scheme involving a "liquor mafia."
Jaganmohan Reddy expressed serious concerns over the decision to close government-run liquor shops and hand them over to private entities. He alleged that this move has created a breeding ground for corruption and a syndicate controlled by Chandrababu.
He questioned the transparency of the policy, pointing out the alleged threats and pressure tactics faced by licensees from ministers and MLAs, suggesting a clear lack of impartiality.
Jaganmohan Reddy further alleged that the policy is designed to allow for exorbitant pricing, creating a system where liquor will be sold at inflated rates beyond the MRP. He claims this will lead to illegal income generation, potentially amounting to thousands of crores of rupees.
He accused Chandrababu of establishing a commission-based system, where profits are shared between the government and the "liquor mafia." He questioned the logic of charging high license fees while simultaneously offering incentives to those who provide shares of their profits, alleging a clear conflict of interest.
Jaganmohan Reddy further criticized the new policy's potential impact on revenue generation for the state. He highlighted the increased number of distilleries established during Chandrababu's tenure, questioning whether these were established solely for profit or at the expense of the state's revenue.
By presenting a contrasting approach, Jaganmohan Reddy highlighted the YCP's focus on reducing the price of cheap liquor, aiming to provide affordability while generating revenue for the state.
This forceful condemnation of the new liquor policy signals a heightened political battle between the YCP and the TDP, highlighting the contentious issues surrounding the liquor industry and its impact on public policy and revenue generation. It remains to be seen how the coalition government will respond to these serious allegations and what steps they will take to address the concerns raised by Jaganmohan Reddy.