YSRCP alleges spurious liquor network in Andhra; Officials yet to confirm

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and Leader of the Opposition, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Thursday accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government of institutionalising the production, distribution, and sale of spurious liquor across Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking at a press conference at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Reddy alleged that TDP leaders and their supporters were operating factories to manufacture fake liquor and selling it through retail and illegal outlets. He further claimed that auctions for “belt shops” unauthorised liquor outlets were held in villages with police protection, and that spurious liquor was being sold in permit rooms at inflated prices.

“Across the state, illicit liquor is being sold in an organised manner,” Reddy said. He displayed photographs of materials allegedly used to manufacture fake liquor, including bottles, cans, cartons, labels, and seals. According to him, factories were reportedly traced to Parawada, Palakollu, Amalapuram, Eluru, Repalle, and Nellore.

Reddy also alleged that the network came to light due to internal disputes over profit sharing, and attributed the legacy of organised spurious liquor production to former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh.

However, no independent verification of these claims has been reported. The TDP has not responded to the allegations, and law enforcement authorities have not confirmed any involvement of political figures in illicit liquor production or sales.

While political accusations continue, verified incidents of illicit liquor production have occurred in the state. For instance, in early 2024, the Prohibition and Excise Department seized locally brewed liquor in Mulakalacheruvu mandal of Annamayya district and arrested a few individuals. Police described it as a local illegal brewing operation and did not report any political connection.

Official records from the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition and Excise Department confirm multiple raids and seizures of illicit liquor across the state. However, these reports do not mention any political party or organised network.

The liquor issue remains a politically sensitive topic in Andhra Pradesh, given its implications for public health, revenue, and law enforcement. As of now, the allegations made by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy remains unverified, pending any official investigation or statement from the government.