YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of liquor regulation in Andhra Pradesh. He condemned the government’s failure to curb the sale of spurious and illicit liquor, warning that the issue has become a serious public health and governance crisis across the state.
Unchecked Sale of Spurious Liquor
According to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh is witnessing an alarming rise in the sale and consumption of spurious liquor, often produced in unregulated conditions and sold illegally across towns and villages. He warned that this trend poses a severe threat to public health and safety, with reports of fatal incidents emerging from several districts in recent months.
“Never before has Andhra Pradesh seen such reckless and unregulated liquor trade,” Jagan remarked. “The spread of illicit brewing and fake liquor sales has reached dangerous levels, and the government’s silence on this matter reflects a shocking lack of concern for public welfare.”
Health officials and local activists have reported multiple incidents where poor-quality or adulterated liquor led to serious health complications, including blindness and even death, particularly among daily-wage laborers and low-income communities who are drawn to cheaper alternatives.
The proliferation of bootleg liquor, according to Jagan, symbolizes the erosion of administrative discipline and highlights the government’s inability to enforce existing laws meant to protect citizens from such hazards.
Contrast with Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Governance
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy implemented strict liquor control measures aimed at minimizing alcohol-related issues and protecting low-income families. His government introduced state-controlled liquor sales, reduced the number of liquor shops, enforced regulated sale timings, and launched awareness campaigns to discourage excessive consumption.
These initiatives were part of his welfare-driven governance model, which prioritized public health, family welfare, and social stability over revenue generation. Jagan’s administration viewed liquor regulation as a moral and social responsibility, not merely a commercial activity an approach he says is now being neglected.
Erosion of Accountability in Current Governance
Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the current Andhra Pradesh government of abandoning these hard-won reforms and allowing unregulated liquor trade to flourish. He argued that corruption, negligence, and lack of enforcement have allowed criminal networks to exploit the system, manufacturing and selling spurious liquor with impunity.
“The government’s failure to act despite repeated reports of illicit liquor production is not just negligence it is complicity,” Jagan said. “This is not merely a law-and-order issue; it is a governance failure that affects the lives and dignity of our people.”
He further added that public health and safety must take precedence over political or commercial interests, warning that the unchecked spread of spurious liquor could lead to a full-blown social and humanitarian crisis.
Public Anger and Political Responsibility
Across Andhra Pradesh, citizens have voiced growing frustration over the rising sale of adulterated liquor, especially in rural and economically weaker regions. Public sentiment aligns closely with Jagan’s criticism, as many recall the reforms and social safeguards introduced during his tenure.
Political analysts note that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks have struck a chord with the public, highlighting a widespread demand for responsible governance and stricter regulation.
Call for Reform and Responsible Leadership
As the liquor crisis deepens, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s call for accountability stands as a reminder of the importance of leadership that prioritizes people’s welfare over political or commercial interests.
“The government must act decisively to restore public confidence and protect citizens from this growing menace,” Jagan emphasized, urging decisive and transparent reforms to bring discipline and integrity back into the system.
A Vision for a Responsible Andhra Pradesh
Jagan Mohan Reddy concluded his message with a broader appeal for ethical and people-first governance, reiterating that the health and well-being of citizens must remain the highest priority of any administration.
“True governance,” he said, “is measured not by how much revenue is generated, but by how much suffering is prevented. Our vision for Andhra Pradesh must be one where every life is valued, and every citizen is safe from exploitation and neglect.”
