Andhra Pradesh Assembly Update:

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced a comprehensive inquiry by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) into the liquor policy implemented by the YSR Congress Party (YCP) government during the period from 2019 to 2024. This announcement was made in response to a request from Pawan Kalyan to address alleged corruption within the Excise Department.

Key Allegations:

1. Illegal Permissions: The inquiry focuses on the alleged illegal permissions granted to certain liquor companies, which were favored in the licensing process. This has raised concerns about potential financial misappropriation and loss to the state exchequer.
2. Financial Misappropriation: The alleged irregularities in the liquor policy have led to significant financial misappropriation, causing losses amounting to over Rs 1,300 crore. These include the removal of a privilege fee, undue favors to specific distilleries, and manipulation of policy decisions for personal gain.
3. Specific Instances:
   • Removal of Privilege Fee: In 2016, the privilege fee payable by bars was removed, resulting in a loss of Rs 1,300 crore to the public exchequer.
   • Favoritism in Licensing: Certain distilleries were granted licenses contrary to the recommendations of the state’s committee, leading to unjust enrichment of a few entities.
   • Questionable Timing of Permissions: New brands were permitted after the notification for general elections in March 2019, raising suspicions about the motivations behind these decisions.
4. Involvement of Key Figures:
   • Chandrababu Naidu has been named as accused number 3 in the case, with former excise minister Kollu Ravindra and APSBCL commissioner Naresh also implicated.

Government’s Response:

Chandrababu Naidu, speaking in the assembly, emphasized the seriousness of these allegations and assured that the facts would be thoroughly investigated. He stated, “The facts will be revealed in the CID investigation. All cash transactions were done. We will also file a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Those who are guilty of irregularities will be severely punished.”

Conclusion:

The CID inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the liquor policy is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the governance of Andhra Pradesh. The investigation is expected to uncover the extent of the financial misappropriation and bring those responsible to justice. As the inquiry progresses, more details will emerge, providing a clearer picture of the alleged corruption within the Excise Department during the specified period.

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