The Andhra Pradesh BJP has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the sale and production of alcohol in the state, alleging that the substandard quality of liquor is adversely affecting the health of the people.
Daggubati Purandeswari, the State BJP Chief, expressed concern over a 25% increase in alcoholic liver cirrhosis cases in the state, attributing it to the consumption of low-quality liquor.
She further elaborated that the use of adulterants in the liquor manufacturing process in the state has resulted in various diseases among consumers.
Citing recent media reports, she highlighted that Andhra Pradesh leads the five southern states in alcohol consumption, raising questions about the effectiveness of governance.
Purandeswari questioned whether Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy had fulfilled his promise to abolish liquor in the state and demanded a CBI investigation into both liquor sales and sand and gravel mining activities.
She pointed out that there are 20 liquor manufacturing companies in the state, with 12 of them being authorized during the tenure of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the remaining 8 sanctioned by Jagan Mohan Reddy. She urged leaders of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) to disclose the names of the owners of these companies.
Purandeswari also reminded that prior to the 2019 elections, the Chief Minister had vowed to send any liquor manufacturing units found in the state to jail for up to seven years.
In addition, she emphasized that while the BJP is advocating for digital payments, Andhra Pradesh is not promoting digital transactions related to liquor sales. She expressed her concerns about the poor quality of liquor in the state.
In essence, the Andhra Pradesh BJP is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the liquor industry, citing concerns about the quality of alcohol and its impact on public health. They are also raising questions about governance and transparency in this sector.
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