AP Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu demanded that former CM Y.S. Jagan respond to allegations surrounding the previous government’s liquor policy and ongoing scam investigations.
Mangalagiri: Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has demanded that former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy respond to allegations surrounding the previous government's liquor policy and an alleged ₹3,200 crore liquor scam.
Addressing a gathering during the unveiling of statues of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao and former minister Damacharla Anjaneyulu in Kondapi constituency of Prakasam district, Atchannaidu alleged that the liquor policy implemented during the YSRCP government's tenure resulted in financial irregularities and serious public health concerns.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and have been strongly disputed by YSRCP leaders. Former minister Perni Venkataramaiah recently questioned the evidence against Jagan and alleged that the investigation was being used to target the former Chief Minister.
Atchannaidu referred to the investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into alleged irregularities in the State's liquor policy.
In July, the SIT told the Andhra Pradesh High Court that former Chief Minister's Office officials had allegedly supported a network that caused a loss of around ₹3,500 crore to the State exchequer. The SIT said a chargesheet had been filed against some of the accused, subject to further legal proceedings.
Atchannaidu alleged that key decisions concerning the liquor policy were taken from the then Chief Minister's residence and demanded that Jagan respond to the allegations.
The Minister also referred to the statement attributed to former Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited official D. Satyaprasad before an ACB court.
Atchannaidu criticised YSRCP leaders for questioning Satyaprasad's credibility after he began making allegations concerning the liquor policy.
He argued that Satyaprasad had served as an Officer on Special Duty during the previous administration and questioned why his credibility was being challenged only after his statements became part of the investigation.
YSRCP leaders, however, have disputed Satyaprasad's account. Former minister Perni Nani alleged that Satyaprasad had earlier been treated as an accused and was subsequently being presented as an approver, while questioning whether his statement contained direct evidence against Jagan.
Atchannaidu also questioned the payment systems used in liquor sales during the previous government's tenure.
He alleged that the vast majority of liquor transactions were conducted through cash and demanded an explanation for the limited use of digital payments.
He also raised allegations concerning the introduction of new liquor brands, changes in procurement procedures and the allocation of liquor orders.
These allegations remain part of the broader investigation and have not been established as criminal findings against all the individuals named or referred to by the minister.
The Agriculture Minister also referred to alleged irregularities in liquor transportation contracts.
Investigating agencies have separately examined alleged manipulation of APSBCL transportation tenders. In one case, the SIT alleged that changes to the tender process caused a loss of about ₹192 crore to the State exchequer. The Enforcement Directorate has separately estimated the alleged loss in the liquor transport case at around ₹195 crore.
Atchannaidu also alleged irregularities in staff recruitment and other components of the liquor distribution system.
The allegations have drawn a response from the YSRCP. Former minister Perni Venkataramaiah said the investigation had failed to establish direct evidence against Jagan and questioned the changing estimates of the alleged scam. He also accused the coalition government of using the case for political purposes.
The liquor-related cases remain under investigation, with separate proceedings involving alleged procurement, transportation and financial irregularities.
Atchannaidu said Jagan should respond directly to the allegations and explain the decisions taken during his government's tenure.
He alleged that the previous government's liquor policy affected consumers while creating opportunities for financial irregularities.
The minister said the former Chief Minister could not remain silent while investigating agencies and courts continued to examine allegations relating to the previous liquor policy.
The ongoing proceedings will determine the factual and legal position on the allegations raised in the liquor cases.
