Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has issued a stern directive to the State Excise Department to intensify surveillance on liquor outlets across the state. The order follows a surge in public complaints, particularly from Kakinada district, alleging that shops are selling alcohol at prices significantly higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Kalyan emphasized that such illegal practices not only violate state regulations but also damage the reputation of the NDA government, warning shopkeepers that strict adherence to pricing rules is non-negotiable.
The crackdown comes in the wake of a recent cabinet decision to increase the MRP of India-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and foreign liquor by ₹10 per bottle. This hike, which excludes cheaper 180ml variants priced at ₹99, beer, and wine, was designed to generate approximately ₹1,391 crore in annual revenue while balancing the removal of additional taxes on bars. However, reports suggest that some retailers are exploiting these changes to overcharge consumers beyond the legally mandated increase.
Politically, the issue has become a flashpoint between the ruling coalition and the opposition. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the TDP-led government of allowing “rampant violations” and failing to control illegal sales. By ordering immediate field inspections and continuous monitoring, Pawan Kalyan aims to curb these irregularities and ensure that the revised pricing structure is implemented transparently without further burdening the public.
