The Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is tightening the noose around YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders and officials of the previous regime in connection with the alleged liquor scam.
It increasingly appears that YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is the ultimate target.
In response, the YSRCP has now vowed to turn the tables on Naidu by pursuing the same liquor scam if Jagan returns to power after the 2029 elections.
This was revealed by YSRCP senior leader and Punganur MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy after visiting his son, YSRCP MP P Mithun Reddy, who is currently in judicial custody at Rajahmundry Central Jail over his alleged role in the liquor scam.
He cited the example of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who, after attempting to privatize the liquor business by removing government control, was jailed in connection with a scam.
“Similar developments are unfolding in Andhra Pradesh. The Naidu government has removed liquor trade from government control and handed it over to a private liquor mafia. This will be our key issue once we return to power in 2029,” he said.
Peddireddy added that if Jagan becomes Chief Minister again, there would be no need for special investigation teams or committees.
“We will directly file cases and carry out the investigation,” he asserted.
He alleged that the coalition government is deliberately targeting and harassing YSRCP leaders. “We are prepared to approach the courts if due process is not followed,” he warned.
Former Home Minister Taneti Vanitha also weighed in, accusing the government of engaging in diversionary politics.
“The case against Mithun Reddy is pure theatrics. Our government never granted permissions to any distilleries. Liquor was regulated by increasing prices,” she stated.
