Chandrababu fabricated liquor scam to hide his own corruption: Sajjala

Vijayawada, August 1: YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu created the liquor scam only to divert public attention from the corruption that took place during his earlier tenure. Speaking to the media outside the ACB Court in Vijayawada, he said the government is running a malicious campaign using baseless theories and linking unrelated cash seizures to the liquor scam with no clear evidence.
He recalled that the actual liquor scam took place during the TDP regime from 2014 to 2019 when Rs 1,300 crore per annum worth of privileged fees was cancelled without the approval of the Finance Department or discussion in the Cabinet. Chandrababu Naidu himself signed that file. Sajjala questioned why no investigation has been initiated into that clear case of corruption. In contrast, the SIT is now pursuing imaginary connections using flimsy stories and vague assumptions. He said that the SIT itself has no clarity on where the scam occurred or how.
Sajjala pointed out that after the coalition government took charge, liquor prices were hiked and alcohol is now being sold at higher rates than MRP, even through illegal belt shops and door delivery. Despite the sharp rise in sales, liquor revenue increased by only 10 percent compared to the previous YSRCP government. He said that while the Jagan government reduced outlets and curbed alcohol use, the current administration promoted it recklessly but failed to generate expected income.
Referring to the Rs 11 crore seized recently, he said attempts to link it to Raj Kasireddy and Mithun Reddy are politically motivated. He questioned how a person in jail for 90 days could still hold on to that money without disposing of it.
He also criticised the TDP government for putting up road barricades, digging roads and blocking buses to prevent people from meeting YS Jagan during his Nellore visit. Yet thousands turned up voluntarily, he noted.
On Chandrababu’s Singapore trip, Sajjala said no outcome was shared with the public and accused the CM of using foreign tours to escape from people and responsibility. He said people are watching everything and will respond in the right time.