Sharmila alleges liquor and drug mafia under YSRCP rule

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y. S. Sharmila launched a scathing attack on YSR Congress Party chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing the former government of presiding over widespread corruption and lawlessness during its five-year rule in the state.

Addressing a public meeting as part of the ‘Upadhi Hami Parirakshana Yatra’ held at Duddukuru village in Devarapalli mandal of East Godavari district, Sharmila alleged that a powerful liquor mafia flourished under the YSRCP government. She claimed that the previous administration not only allowed the sale of substandard liquor but also enabled large-scale financial irregularities in the liquor trade.

According to Sharmila, the supply of poor-quality liquor during the YSRCP regime damaged public health and deprived the state of significant revenue. She accused the former government of prioritising profits for its associates over the welfare of the people.

The Congress leader also alleged that drug abuse and narcotics trafficking had increased significantly during the previous government’s tenure. She claimed that large quantities of drugs were allowed to enter the state and that the authorities failed to take strong action to curb the growing drug culture among youth.

Sharmila further criticized Jagan Mohan Reddy over the issue of Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, recalling his pre-election statement that he would fight strongly with the central government to secure the status. She alleged that after coming to power, he softened his stance and failed to press the demand effectively before the Union government led by Narendra Modi.

Taking aim at the previous government’s policy decisions, Sharmila said the proposal of three capitals created uncertainty and left the state without a clear administrative capital. She also alleged that the progress of the Polavaram irrigation project, considered vital for the state’s agriculture and water security, had been weakened during the YSRCP government’s tenure.

During her speech, Sharmila also spoke about women’s rights and said the Congress party has consistently supported women’s empowerment, including advocating for 50 percent reservation for women in various sectors. She alleged that under the current political climate in the country, women’s safety has become a serious concern.

The Upadhi Hami Parirakshana Yatra is part of the Congress party’s campaign across Andhra Pradesh to highlight issues related to employment, governance, and welfare policies while mobilizing public support on key political issues in the state.