Amaravati, July 23 (PTI) YSRCP leader Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy on Wednesday accused the Andhra Pradesh government of orchestrating the “country’s largest-ever liquor scam” under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Speaking to media after visiting his son and Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy in Rajamahendravaram central jail, he alleged that the TDP-led government has revived illicit liquor trade, turning Andhra Pradesh into “Madhyandhra Pradesh” (alcoholic state) rife with corruption.
“The ruling coalition government is orchestrating the largest liquor scam in the country’s history and plunging Andhra Pradesh into a state of corruption and mismanagement,” said Ramachandra Reddy, addressing a press conference.
The previous YSRCP government ensured that liquor sales were tightly regulated through government-run outlets, which led to a significant reduction in sales while increasing state revenue by Rs 25,000 crore annually, pointed out Ramachandra Reddy.
He claimed that revenue from liquor sales during previous TDP regime, between 2014 to 2019, was only Rs 17,000 crore despite logging higher sales.
The former minister alleged that under the present Naidu dispensation, liquor privatisation, retail price violations, door deliveries and belt shops (unlicensed liquor shos) have allegedly made a comeback.
The YSRCP leader condemned the registration of what he termed as “false” cases against party leaders, comparing the TDP-led government to Taliban rule.
He alleged that Mithun Reddy is being denied legal jail amenities and warned of legal action if statutory facilities are not ensured for jailed representatives.
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