Telangana government finally made a somersault on cheap liquor. As we reported two days back in these columns that the government was searching for a graceful exit to wriggle itself out of the controversy, the T-Cabinet agreed to withdraw the cheap liquor, in a victory of sorts to the women’s organizations, political parties, especially, Congress which took an aggressive stand against the cheap liquor.

In the marathon cabinet meeting held last evening, chief minister announced his decision to the ministers which the cabinet approved. Later, Rao himself briefed the media about the decision. He announced to the public in cryptic sentence that cheap liquor policy was put on hold.

“There will be no change in the excise policy of the state government. Today the cabinet felt that there was a need for a widespread discussion on the issue of introducing cheap liquor,“ the CM said. That means the decision is put on hold. It may stage a comeback in future.

The chief minister said he received number of petitions from women during his tours across the state that the cheap liquor would take its toll on the families. Though the cheap liquor was thought to provide alternative to gudumba, the sentiments of women, were taken into consideration, Rao said declaring a war against the gudumba. ” It (the cheap liquor) was introduced only to curb the country brew, spoiler of health.As the decision produced mixed reaction from various sections of the society, the government has decided to stop the introduction of the cheap liquor for this year,” the CM said. Rao said gudumba would be curbed with iron heal.

A police officer of the rank of inspector-general would be appointed to oversee the gudumba eradication operations this year in the state, the chief minister said.“We will set up flying squads. We would not hesitate to invoke the PD Act against gudumba brewers, distributors and sellers,“ the CM said.