Highly placed sources in the Telangana government told Telugu360.com that T-cabinet was likely to review the decision to introduce the cheap liquor in mission mode. Following the widespread resentment over the cheap liquor , chief minister KCR government is said to be having second thoughts over the introduction cheap liquor at every street corner in villages at the rate of Rs 15 per 90 ml.
The government thinks that opposition from women would serve as a great pretext to beat a honorable retreat.
The cheap liquor decision and CM KCRs’ justification that the un-adulterated liquor would work as body pain reliever for rural folk after hard-day’s work met with an unprecedented opposition, especially from the women folk. The issue has brought all the political parties-from right to extreme left- and mass organization together into a joint action committee under the convener ship of Prof PL Visweswar Rao, noted social justice activist. Already, Congress has been campaigning aggressively against the cheap liquor. Rasta rokos and dharnas have become order of the day. In this backdrop, according to sources , the government is thinking of going slow on the issue.
“The cabinet, which is meeting on September 2, is expected to discuss the policy vis-à-vis political fallout. Many ministers and MLAs are said to have conveyed to the TRS supremo that going against the public sentiment will tarnish the image of the party with women,” sources said. Some amendment in the policy with regard to the cheap liquor is expected before the October 1, when this policy will come into force. The looming drought situation in the state is also said to be working on the government to take a relook into the policy. ” Drought will affect the family economy. As there would be no crops people have to make do with whatever small amounts they earn from alternative works like MNREGS. So, cheap liquor will have the potential to rob the families of this meager income also,” said the sources.