YSRCP liquor policy riddled with irregularities, alleges I&PR Minister

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Information and Public Relations and Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy | Photo Credit: File photo

Information and Public Relations and Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy alleged that the liquor policy implemented by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had not only ruined people’s lives but was also riddled with large-scale irregularities.

He demanded that former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy respond to key aspects of the liquor policy that had come under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.

Addressing media persons at the TDP central office near Mangalagiri on Sunday, Mr. Parthasarathy alleged that institutions had been manipulated to serve the interests of the YSRCP and officials were pressured to take decisions that had been planned in advance with ulterior motives. Such decisions, he alleged, were taken at the then Chief Minister’s residence.

He claimed that the liquor scam involved kickbacks amounting to nearly ₹3,200 crore, citing a statement by a senior official of the A.P. State Beverages Corporation.

Mr. Parthasarathy questioned why digital payments had not been allowed for liquor purchases and said investigating agencies were examining issues such as the introduction of new brands and changes in the system of allocating orders. He also sought an explanation for the centralisation of liquor transportation contracts at the district level.

He alleged that there were major lapses in the recruitment of staff and payment of salaries at liquor shops.

Mr. Parthasarathy said that despite allegations that people had fallen ill after consuming substandard or spurious liquor, the YSRCP government had refused to change the policy. The TDP-led coalition government had accorded priority to transparency and quality in liquor sales, he said, reiterating his allegation that the YSRCP was responsible for the alleged scam.

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