The coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is orchestrating a campaign to tarnish the reputation of the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy administration by fabricating a liquor scam. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being misused to create a false narrative around a transparent liquor policy, with raids, arrests, and media manipulation aimed at pleasing coalition leaders.
Fabricating a Non-Existent Liquor Scam
The SIT is reportedly going to great lengths to portray a non-existent liquor scam as real. The coalition government is misusing the police system to stage daily dramas, attempting to link legitimate business funds to an alleged scam. On Wednesday, raids in Hyderabad uncovered businesspersons’ money, which was promptly labeled as “liquor scam money” in an attempt to mislead the public.
Misuse of Police and Media
The coalition government is said to be exploiting the police machinery to tarnish the Y.S. Jagan government’s liquor policy, widely regarded as highly transparent. By conducting raids and making arrests without solid evidence, the SIT is attempting to connect any seized funds to the alleged scam, regardless of their origin. For instance, money found at a businessperson’s farmhouse in Hyderabad is being falsely tied to the liquor case, despite no clear evidence.
Questionable Evidence and Contrived Stories
The SIT’s claims have raised eyebrows due to their lack of credibility. For example, the narrative that Raj Kesireddy, a businessman with multiple ventures, hid Rs. 11 crore in a farmhouse in June 2024—after the new government took office—strains belief. The idea that a person arrested 100 days prior, engaged in legitimate businesses like colleges and hospitals, would stash such funds in another businessman’s home is being called a fabricated tale.
Shifting Narratives and Key Figures
The SIT’s investigation has been inconsistent, with different individuals labeled as masterminds at various points. Initially, Vasudeva Reddy was named the kingpin, followed by Raj Kesireddy, then two retired officials, and later an auditor named Balaji Govindappa. Recently, a person named Varun has been mentioned. This constant shifting of key figures suggests a lack of coherent evidence and a strategy to create new stories to fit the coalition’s agenda.
Lack of Substantive Evidence
Despite a year-long investigation, the SIT has failed to produce credible evidence to support its allegations. The courts have repeatedly granted bail to those arrested, indicating weak cases. In the last two weeks, the SIT has escalated its efforts with new raids, such as those on Balaji Govindappa’s residence and the Vicat Group’s office, seemingly to obstruct bail petitions. These actions are seen as attempts to create a spectacle rather than pursue justice.
Raids as Political Theater
With bail petitions pending, the SIT conducted sudden raids on Saturday at Balaji Govindappa’s home in Hyderabad and the offices of Bharathi Cements, linked to the Vicat Group. These raids are perceived as staged dramas to influence court proceedings and prevent bail approvals. The coalition, led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, is orchestrating these moves to maintain the illusion of a major investigation.
Inconsistent Claims of Financial Misconduct
The SIT’s claims about the scale of the scam have been wildly inconsistent, ranging from Rs. 1 lakh crore to Rs. 3,000 crore. The recent discovery of Rs. 11 crore, attributed to businesspersons, is being touted as liquor scam money without evidence. Critics argue that the SIT has failed to produce any tangible proof, relying instead on staged seizures to bolster its narrative.
False Claims of Data Destruction
Media outlets aligned with the coalition, such as Eenadu, have published stories claiming that 3.58 lakh GB of data, equivalent to 375 crore pages, was destroyed by the YSR Congress Party. However, the Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation Limited clarified that no such data was deleted, and all records remain intact. These false reports are seen as part of a broader misinformation campaign.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
If the SIT is acting in good faith, it should provide statistical evidence showing how the Y.S. Jagan government’s liquor policy caused losses to the state or public exchequer. Instead, the SIT is coercing distillery operators into providing false statements and fabricating evidence. Raids targeting successful businesspersons in Hyderabad are being used to falsely link their wealth to the liquor case.
Allegations of Hypocrisy
Critics point to past incidents involving N. Chandrababu Naidu to question his credibility. In 2015, a cash-for-vote scandal saw Naidu’s associate caught with Rs. 5 crores to bribe an MLC, with audio and video evidence implicating Naidu. In 2010, Rs. 7 crore was seized at Kodikonda checkpost in Anantapur, linked to Naidu’s associate, who admitted the money belonged to Naidu. Additionally, Naidu is diverting Rs. 2,000 crore in an IT-related case involving commissions from contractors, with his personal secretary evading arrest.
Y.S. Jagan’s Transparent Business Practices
In contrast, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s business ventures and investments are described as crystal clear, adhering to regulations and maintaining transparency. Despite political conspiracies, his reputation remains intact, with critics unable to produce credible evidence against him.
A Politically Motivated Campaign
The coalition government, led by Naidu and supported by his son Lokesh, is using the SIT, the yellow media, and fabricated narratives to discredit the YSR Congress Party. By leveraging hundreds of YouTube channels and paid influencers posing as journalists, the coalition is spreading misinformation to serve its political interests. The liquor scam investigation is seen as a politically motivated effort lacking substance, aimed at tarnishing Jagan’s legacy rather than uncovering genuine wrongdoing.
