YSRCP leader and Tirupati MP M Gurumurthy on Tuesday accused the TDP-NDA government of allowing illegal liquor sales in Tirupati. He claimed that liquor shops in the holy city are opening from 5 am to 12 pm, in clear violation of rules. He also alleged that these shops are selling liquor at least ₹50 above the maximum retail price (MRP).
According to news agency PTI, Gurumurthy said, “The NDA government is looting even in the holy shadow of Tirumala. If this is the situation in Tirupati, one can imagine the condition elsewhere.”
YSRCP’s Ground Report
Gurumurthy said YSRCP leader B Abhinay personally investigated the issue. Abhinay visited Tirupati early on Sunday and found several liquor shops opening before permitted hours and selling liquor above MRP. He called this illegal liquor trade a stain on Tirupati’s sanctity and a clear sign of administrative failure. The YSRCP demanded immediate action and accountability from the state government.
Excise Department Responds
An official from the Excise Department acknowledged that employees of some shops might be violating norms. However, he stated that license holders, who pay a substantial fee, usually avoid such violations due to the risk of penalties. The department has already taken action against one shop and is probing 13 others. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence. A case has been registered under Section 31 of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act.
Former Minister Defends YSRCP Record
Former minister Vidadala Rajini dismissed the NDA’s allegations and said liquor sales had reduced under YSRCP rule. She pointed to a fall in beer sales — from 3.84 crore cases in 2018–19 to 3.32 crore in 2023–24 — as evidence of tighter regulation during their governance.
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