Amaravati: In a desperate bid to woo voters, N Chandrababu Naidu has made a unique promise to voters.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has told people he will ensure quality liquor at lower prices.
Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh, with voting to take place in a single phase on May 13.
“I am telling you, after 40 days (of TDP forming the government), not only quality liquor, we will take the responsibility for reducing prices as well,” Chandrababu Naidu said at an election rally in Kuppam, from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha polls.
TDP has formed an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jana Sena Party to fight against the ruling YSR Congress Party, reaching a seat-sharing agreement for both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
TDP will contest in 144 of the 175 Assembly constituencies, BJP in 10 and Jana Sena Party in 21.
As for Lok Sabha, TDP will fight in 17 out of 25 seats, BJP in 6 and Jana Sena Party 2.
Blasting Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSR Congress Party for going back on their 2019 poll promise, Chandrababu said it is the demand of “our younger brothers” that liquor prices be slashed.
“Prices of all commodities have gone up exorbitantly, including liquor rates, which are flying. Our younger brothers cheer when I mention liquor. They want the prices of liquor to be reduced. It is Jagan Mohan Reddy who increased the price from Rs 60 (for a nip) to Rs 200 and pocketed Rs 100,” the TDP supremo added.
The ruling party has been accused of collecting around Rs 24,000 crore through excise revenue in 2022-23 against more than Rs 17,000 crore in 2019-20 in Andhra Pradesh, where liquor is sold via government-owned outlets.
Andhra BJP chief D Purandeswari earlier demanded an inquiry into the state’s liquor business.
Chandrababu has repeatedly accused YSR Congress Party government of supplying poor quality liquor while profiting from increased prices.
It remains to be seen if liquor becomes a deciding factor in Andhra elections.
