BRS demands inquiry into handling of liquor licenses by Congress Govt

HYDERABAD: BRS leader Manne Krishank launched a scathing attack on the Congress government's handling of liquor licenses over the past six months.

Comparing the Congress rule to the reign of Tughlaq, Krishank criticised Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao for his controversial stance on Som Distilleries.

Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, Krishank condemned Jupally’s management of the issue surrounding Som Distilleries, highlighting how the minister backtracked his positions when questioned about corruption. He welcomed the cancellation of the liquor sales license granted to Som Distilleries in the state but called for an inquiry into why the permits were issued initially.

"Those responsible for granting permissions to the fraudulent company, Som Distilleries, must be identified," Krishank asserted. He questioned why no case had been registered against Som Distilleries, drawing parallels with the cases filed in the Delhi liquor policy.

Criticising the Congress government, Krishank labelled it a "U-turn government," accusing it of leaking information and then filing illegal cases against those who share it on social media. He alleged widespread scams across all departments and claimed that Congress leaders were looting the state treasury.

He also accused Minister Jupally of being caught red-handed and suggested that Som Distilleries funded the Congress party. Krishank called for a thorough investigation into this corruption and demanded clarity on whether the distillery’s licenses had been cancelled temporarily or permanently.

Furthermore, Krishank pointed out inconsistencies within the government, noting that while Chief Minister Revanth Reddy claimed an increase in excise revenue, Minister Jupally denied it. He urged the government to make a clear statement on the matter.

He also accused ministers of competing to collect illegal taxes. He warned that if permissions for Som Distilleries had not been blocked, innocent people in the state would have fallen victim to adulterated liquor. Lastly, Krishank condemned the government for filing illegal cases against those who questioned it, calling such actions despicable.