Tadepalli, August 21, 2026: YSRCP State Spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy said the Chandrababu-led coalition government has turned Andhra Pradesh into a liquor-soaked state, putting liquor business ahead of public health and family safety. Addressing the media at the YSRCP Central Office, he said murders, road accidents and family tragedies linked to alcohol are increasing, while liquor is freely available near schools and temples, through belt shops, round-the-clock sales and even door delivery.
Citing tragedies from Rajahmundry to Kurnool, including the bus accident that claimed 19 lives, Karumuri said unrestricted liquor availability was endangering both drinkers and innocent citizens. He questioned why the government continues expanding sales instead of controlling alcohol-related violence and accidents.
He said beer sales increased from 1.12 crore cases in 2023–24 to 2.32 crore cases in 2025–26, while government liquor revenue rose only from Rs. 25,117 crore to Rs. 28,844 crore in 2024–25 and around Rs. 29,000 crore in 2025–26. He demanded that the government explain why revenue had not risen proportionately despite sales doubling, and whether belt shops, spurious liquor and liquor entering from neighbouring states were causing revenue leakage.
Karumuri demanded disclosure of the total number of belt shops statewide, pointing to reports of nearly 1,000 in Tamballapalle constituency alone. He also sought immediate quality tests on Rs. 99 liquor brands, including Sumo, Short, Bangalore Brandy, Kerala Malted Whisky and Doctors Brandy. “YS Jagan brought village secretariats, RBKs, village clinics and digital libraries; this government has brought wines beside schools and temples,” he said.
Responding to media questions, Karumuri questioned Pawan Kalyan’s absence from eight of 11 Cabinet meetings this year, criticised public expenditure on special aircraft, helicopters and convoys while people face drinking-water shortages, and demanded equal application of law in the Hyderabad accident involving a Jana Sena MP’s son. He said the spontaneous public turnout during YS Jagan’s Hyderabad visit reflected the enduring bond between Jagan and the people and growing public opposition to two years of coalition rule.d
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