The YSRCP had come to power promising total prohibition, but later turned the liquor trade into a major source of income for itself, alleges Social Welfare Minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy alleged that former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was the ultimate beneficiary of the alleged ₹3,500-crore liquor scam.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had come to power promising total prohibition, but later turned the liquor trade into a major source of income for itself, he said while addressing the media at the TDP central office near Mangalagiri on Saturday (June 13, 2026).
Mr. Veeranjaneya Swamy said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the liquor scam was progressing and its trail was now reaching the doors of the ‘Tadepalli Palace’, and that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy was resorting to diversionary politics in an attempt to escape from the case.
He alleged that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had allowed the sale of adulterated liquor brands for his own gain, and the consumption of such liquor severely affected the health and lives of thousands of people and caused immense suffering to their families.
”The huge revenue earned through the liquor scam was diverted to shell companies operating in foreign locations such as Dubai and some parts of Africa,” the Minister claimed and said the funds were later invested in real estate ventures and film projects.
He also accused former Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao of playing a key role in alleged irregularities in the liquor transportation contracts.
Highlighting the coalition government’s initiatives, Mr. Swamy said a progressive liquor policy was introduced to protect public health and ensure quality standards.
The government was conducting 13 different chemical and quality tests based on international standards before approving any liquor brand for sale in the State, he said.
The government had also launched the ‘AP Excise Suraksha’ mobile application which was enabling consumers to verify the authenticity and quality of liquor products directly through their smartphones. This was part of the government’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection, he added.
Published – June 14, 2026 12:53 pm IST
