[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ndhra Pradesh Government is all set to release liquor policy today. In a note released to the press, the government has said that it decided to handle at least 10 per cent of liquor shops while 90 per cent will be handled by the liquor vendors who obtained licences.  The government, however, didn’t release the list of liquor shop owners. In its new liquor policy, liquor vendors will be refrained from the use of names pertaining to religious figures and Gods.

[pullquote position=”left”] Hailing Chandrababu Naidu, Balakrishna has stressed that only Babu has the capacity to run the efficient government. [/pullquote]

It is known that there were severe objections from the public over the use of Goddesses names and photos on liquor shops. On noticing the same, the government came out with this stringent regulations, said sources close to the officials. Meanwhile, TDP MLA Balakrishna has drawn curtains on the speculations. He put an end to the rumours that were rife over the change of chief minister and that Balakrishna would become the next Panneerselvam in Andhra Pradesh, given the ongoing infamous cash-for-vote scam that allegedly kept Babu in bad light.

Hailing Chandrababu Naidu, Balakrishna has stressed that only Babu has the capacity to run the efficient government. He was, however, tightlipped on the liquor policy as it’s known how his father, the then chief minister N.T. Rama Rao became a Godly figure amongst households for having banned liquor in Andhra Pradesh during his tenure.

Even KCR, who apparently idolised NTR, is bringing in new liquor policies in Telangana state that are undoubtedly objectionable to households. All in all, it looks like Telugu chief ministers are more concerned over the revenue generated by liquor shops.

(Phani B)