Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 21 (ANI): YSRCP State Spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy on Friday alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government has turned Andhra Pradesh into a "liquor-soaked state", accusing it of prioritising liquor business over public health and family safety.
Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP Central Office, Karumuri alleged that alcohol-related murders, road accidents and family tragedies were increasing in the state, while liquor was being made available near schools and temples through belt shops, round-the-clock sales and door delivery.
Citing incidents from Rajahmundry to Kurnool, including a bus accident that claimed 19 lives, he said unrestricted availability of liquor was putting both consumers and innocent citizens at risk.
He questioned why the state government was expanding liquor sales instead of taking steps to control alcohol-related violence and road accidents.
Karumuri claimed that beer sales had increased from 1.12 crore cases in 2023-24 to 2.32 crore cases in 2025-26, while government liquor revenue rose from Rs 25,117 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 28,844 crore in 2024-25 and around Rs 29,000 crore in 2025-26.
He demanded that the government explain why revenue had not increased proportionately despite the alleged doubling of beer sales, and questioned whether belt shops, spurious liquor and liquor entering Andhra Pradesh from neighbouring states were contributing to revenue leakage.
The YSRCP leader also demanded that the government disclose the total number of belt shops operating across the state. Referring to reports of nearly 1,000 such shops in the Tamballapalle constituency, he sought details from the government.
Karumuri further demanded immediate quality testing of Rs 99 liquor brands, including Sumo, Short, Bangalore Brandy, Kerala Malted Whisky and Doctors Brandy.
"YS Jagan brought village secretariats, RBKs, village clinics and digital libraries; this government has brought wines beside schools and temples," he said.
Responding to questions from the media, Karumuri also questioned Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's alleged absence from eight of 11 Cabinet meetings held this year and criticised expenditure on special aircraft, helicopters and convoys when people were facing drinking-water shortages.
He also demanded equal application of law in connection with the Hyderabad accident involving the son of a Jana Sena MP.
Karumuri further claimed that the public turnout during former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's visit to Hyderabad reflected his "enduring bond" with the people and alleged growing public opposition to two years of coalition rule. (ANI)
Coalition govt has turned Andhra Pradesh into 'liquor-soaked state', alleges YSRCP
