The liquor scam has ignited a political storm, creating ripples across the nation. Though it has already fallen the AAP government in Delhi and put the ruling DMK of Tamil Nadu in a pincer-like position, it has now put the Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in the dock. In a scathing speech in Monday’s session of Parliament, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishnadevarayalu made some strong statements, charging that the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam eclipses even the infamous Delhi liquor scandal.
Lavu, the MP from Narasaraopet, was initially elected on a YSRCP ticket in 2019 but switched to the TDP in 2024. His revelations have added fuel to the political firestorm surrounding the YSRCP. Lavu accused the party of blatantly abandoning its 2019 election promise to implement phased prohibition and instead facilitating rampant liquor sales across the state.
He further alleged that the YSRCP government granted licenses to 26 new liquor manufacturing companies, in addition to existing ones, under questionable circumstances. Lavu claimed that senior leaders within the YSRCP orchestrated a systematic scheme to extract kickbacks. Allegedly, ₹2,000 crores were collected from liquor companies in exchange for approvals of new liquor brands. He also stated that these funds were funneled to Dubai through Sunil Reddy, a close relative of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
To execute this plan, an infrastructure company was allegedly established to manage these transactions. Despite numerous complaints about substandard liquor being sold to the public, the government reportedly turned a blind eye to the issue, further raising questions about its intent and accountability.
Whereas the state CID has already instituted an investigation of the scam, Lavu also demanded the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) due to the issue of international fund transfers as a material concern. The public and political analysts were taken aback by his dramatic accusation, unveiling the extent of YSRCP regime corruption.
