Dismissing N Chandrababu Naidu's
promises regarding illegal arrack (belt) shops, the YSR Congress has said that the TDP leader has been trying to "play to the gallery", adding that he was unmindful of the fact that there is no need for the government to ban them as the activity in itself is illegal.
"Being out of power for 9 years, Naidu must have lost touch with governance, as the question of imposing a ban on belt shops does not arise because of them being illegal as it is. Naidu should also remember that it was during his term as Chief Minister that these shops flourished," party deputy floor leader Bhuma Sobha Nagi Reddy told reporters on Wednesday.
"A section of the media, which is considered to be the TDP's mouth-piece, has written that there were over 40,000 belt shops in the state in 2003 when Naidu was Chief Minister," she alleged.
"It was Chandrababu Naidu who lifted the prohibition imposed by NTR, and encouraged belt shops as well as the retail sale of arrack. Now he is singing a different tune as he is in the opposition.
"For a person who has been in public life for over 30 years, blatantly saying that the file propositioning the ban on belt shops will be the second file that he will sign after coming to power, shows his shallowness," she said.
"It is shameful on the state government's part to have encouraged liquor sales by fixing targets. Not only that, the liquor syndicate is in full play. There are over three lakh belt shops in the state, which means there is one shop for every 70 families.
"YSRCP, in its plenary, has made its stand clear, indicating that it will discourage the present liquor policy," Sobha Nadi Reddy said.
When asked about TDP leader Y Ramakrishnudu's remarks on the lifestyle in jails, she said, "The officials concerned have clarified that no special treatment is being given to anyone in the jail, and that the manual is being strictly followed". (INN)