Is the Liquor Case a Sham to Weaken Charges Against Chandrababu Naidu?

Amaravati, May 22 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party leader Jagan Mohan Reddy described the alleged liquor scam case initiated by the government as a farce, claiming that the accusations are fabricated to undermine and dilute the liquor case involving Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently on bail.

In a press briefing, the former chief minister criticized the TDP-led administration for targeting officials and opposition members in this purported liquor scam.

According to Jagan, Chandrababu Naidu is facing charges that mirror those he himself has crafted during his previous term (2014-2019) regarding liquor-related irregularities.

Pointing out the statements and confessions gathered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), he questioned their credibility, asserting that the YSRCP holds substantial documentary evidence against the liquor case in which Chandrababu Naidu is accused of breaching bail conditions.

The detainment of minor employees and unrelated individuals linked to the Beverages Corporation is indicative of the government's intent to diminish the charges against Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan remarked, referencing the case that transpired under YSRCP governance.

The TDP-led NDA government established the SIT in November of the previous year to delve into allegations of misconduct and corruption within the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) during the YSRCP era from 2019 to 2024.

The former chief minister asserted that the testimonies from Vasudev Reddy, the ex-Managing Director of APSBCL seeking a return to his department, or the controversial MP Vijayasai Reddy, who vacated his seat for coalition benefits, would hold no significance.

He noted that Raj Kasireddy resisted government coercion, hence his inclusion in the case.

Jagan highlighted the coalition government's failure to counter the challenge posed by YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy, who demanded proof of his involvement in discussions related to liquor sales.

“The Delhi liquor scam centers on the government there transferring liquor business from public to private sectors, while our actions were the opposite,” Jagan remarked.

He accused Chandrababu Naidu of facilitating private enterprises during his previous term, claiming, “His fraudulent activities involved manipulating tenders for liquor shop allocations and enhancing commissions post-allocation without cabinet approval. The same allegations he faces are being utilized to weaken his case by detaining individuals like Dhanunjay Reddy, Krishnamohan Reddy, and Balaji Govindappa,” he stated.

The YSRCP leader charged that CM Chandrababu Naidu continues to engage in misconduct. “During our administration, liquor sales were conducted transparently, whereas now, unheard-of brands circulate at inflated prices and are perpetually available. Chandrababu is the genuine scammer who rigged lotteries to favor his private mafia syndicate, granting 69% of contracts to merely five of his selected distilleries, which led to a Rs 5 crore loss to the state treasury. His documented involvement strengthens the case,” the former chief minister added.

Accusing the coalition government of not honoring electoral commitments, Jagan Mohan Reddy declared June 4 as 'Betrayal Day' to unveil the government's shortcomings.