Government’s Decision Under Scrutiny
The coalition government’s proposal to permit liquor sales in tourism zones, particularly on beaches, has triggered widespread debate across Andhra Pradesh. The move has drawn strong opposition from women’s groups, political parties, public organizations, and general citizens, who argue that it could negatively impact public safety and social environment in beach areas.
Despite the backlash, the government continues to defend the decision, stating that it is both practical and justified for promoting tourism and revenue generation.
Social Media Support Claims Draw Criticism
The controversy intensified after Visakhapatnam MP Bharat claimed that the decision has received strong public support, pointing to social media posts backing the policy that allegedly received lakhs of likes.
His remarks have sparked criticism from opponents, who question whether government policy decisions should be justified based on social media engagement metrics like likes and shares. Critics argue that such reasoning undermines democratic consultation and public accountability.
TDP Leader Palla Srinivasa Rao’s Remarks Add Fuel to Fire
Amid the ongoing debate, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao made controversial remarks during a press interaction in Visakhapatnam.
While defending the beach liquor sales proposal, he reportedly suggested that consuming beer may be preferable to soft drinks, implying it could be a lower-calorie option.
He stated that a typical soft drink contains around seven teaspoons of sugar, whereas beer has comparatively lower sugar content. His comments were interpreted by many as indirectly promoting alcohol consumption.
Public and Political Reactions
The remarks have triggered mixed reactions on social media and within political circles. Critics argue that leaders who previously described alcohol as a social problem are now attempting to portray beer as less harmful or even beneficial.
This has led to accusations of inconsistency in political messaging, with opponents questioning the credibility of such health-related claims.
Previous Similar Controversy
This is not the first time such statements have caused controversy. Earlier, TDP leader Jawahar reportedly referred to beer as a “health drink” during a televised debate and claimed it could be beneficial for health. That statement also faced widespread criticism.
Now, with similar remarks coming from senior party leadership, analysts believe the issue could further escalate, intensifying the political debate around liquor policy and tourism development in the state.
