In a recent assembly session, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu presented a white paper on the Excise department revealing a significant increase in alcohol consumption during YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s rule. When the TDP left the government in 2019-20, the per capita liquor consumption was 5.55 liters. However, this number increased yearly under the YCP government reaching 6.23 liters by 2023-24.
Initially, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, the consumption dropped to 3.37 liters. However, it climbed back to 4.79 liters in 2021-22 and continued rising to 6.03 liters in 2022-23. CBN criticized the YCP for failing to curb alcohol consumption despite significantly increasing alcohol prices compared to neighboring states. He accused the YCP leaders of profiting from selling locally produced, cheaper liquor brands that replaced popular brands.
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CBN argued that the YCP government not only failed to reduce alcohol consumption but also neglected to generate revenue for the state. He claimed that funds meant for various departments were diverted to the Excise department resulting in a loss of around Rs. 250 crores. He called for a thorough cleanup of the Excise department and the establishment of de-addiction centers across the state.
Moreover, Naidu announced plans to initiate a CID inquiry into the alleged liquor scam under Jagan’s administration. The government will also involve the Enforcement Directorate to investigate and take necessary actions against those responsible.
