Chandrababu’s Hand In AP Liquor Scam.. Huge Loss To Exchequer
Andhra Pradesh politics are revolving around the liquor scam. A case has been registered against TDP chief and former CM Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly benefiting some distilleries during the TDP regime. Recently, representing the CID, Advocate General S Sreeram reported to the High Court that a liquor scam occurred under Chandrababu’s watch. Similarly, he brought to the attention of the court that the CAG has also concluded there has been a loss of ₹1,500 crores to the state exchequer.
Big Setback for Chandrababu
It has been revealed that during Chandrababu’s regime, a huge liquor scandal had taken place. The CID has registered a case on how the liquor scam took place between 2014 and 2019. The Advocate General, on behalf of CID, explained that during Chandrababu’s tenure as CM, successive GOs were issued without discussion in the Council of Ministers, thus benefiting many distilleries and bars. He said that along with Chandrababu, then Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra and other accused also have a connection.
Loss To The State Exchequer
Earlier, in 2012, the government had formulated and implemented an excise policy. But Chandrababu changed this excise policy in his favour against the rules. The state exchequer suffered losses as the regulations were changed and a whole new excise policy was brought in just to benefit only two beverages and distilleries. With these new rules, the state had lost revenue. The Advocate General disclosed many things on behalf of the CID. He explained that the then CM took decisions to benefit distilleries and bars. He also said that a ruling party leader’s distillery also benefited in the same way. To this extent, the investigation into the case of Kollu Ravindra receiving money in the liquor scam is ongoing. But all the facts related to the liquor scam will be revealed only after investigation. He stated that there is a need to resolve the question of whether Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act is applicable in this context or not. Meanwhile, the High Court has adjourned the next hearing to the 20th of this month.
