The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led Opposition in Andhra Pradesh has unveiled a distinctive promise as part of its campaign strategy for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state. Their enticing offer to voters? Enhanced quality alcohol at reduced prices.
Addressing a recent rally in Kuppam, the constituency from which he is contesting the Lok Sabha elections, TDP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made this bold pledge. “After 40 days (of TDP forming the government), not only will we ensure top-notch liquor quality, but we will also take the responsibility to lower prices,” declared Naidu to the cheering crowd.
Naidu didn’t miss the opportunity to criticize Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his YSR Congress Party for reneging on their 2019 election promise to ban liquor in the southern state. He underscored the demand from “our younger brothers” to slash liquor prices amidst skyrocketing costs of essential commodities.
“The prices of all commodities, including liquor rates, have soared. Our younger brothers enthusiastically support the idea of reduced liquor prices,” Naidu asserted. He pointed fingers at Reddy’s government for the steep hike in liquor prices, alleging a profit pocketed by the administration.
According to reports, the YSR Congress Party government in Andhra Pradesh amassed approximately Rs 24,000 crore in excise revenue in 2022-23, compared to just over Rs 17,000 crore in 2019-20. Notably, liquor sales in the state are managed through government-owned outlets.
Naidu has repeatedly accused the YSR Congress Party government of peddling subpar liquor while reaping profits from inflated prices, which he claims amount to thousands of crores.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief and actor Pawan Kalyan, a TDP ally in the NDA for the Lok Sabha polls, lambasted the ruling establishment in Andhra Pradesh. Kalyan warned of health hazards from consuming liquor supplied by the YSR Congress Party and alleged the misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 40,000 crore through liquor sales.
Moreover, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari called for an investigation into the state’s liquor industry, highlighting mounting concerns.
In the realm of political alliances, last month saw the BJP-TDP-Jana Sena Party formalizing a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats, while the TDP has secured 17 Lok Sabha and 144 Assembly seats, with the Jana Sena Party being allotted two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly constituencies.