BJP's Vijayendra Slams Karnataka Govt Over Liquor Policy, Accuses Congress of Creating 'State of Drunkards'

BJP Leader Accuses Karnataka Government of Promoting Alcoholism for Revenue

In a scathing attack on the ruling Congress administration, Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka state president BY Vijayendra has alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led government is deliberately transforming Karnataka into a state of drunkards to boost its revenue streams. The accusations came during a media interaction following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program at Bhairidevarkoppa in Hubballi on Sunday.

Unchecked Liquor Sales in Rural Areas

Vijayendra claimed that the state government has significantly raised excise targets and permitted unrestricted liquor sales even in grocery stores across rural regions. "You may not find a medical shop within 500 meters in our villages, but you will certainly find a liquor shop," he stated, highlighting what he described as alarming accessibility to alcohol.

The BJP leader further asserted, "It seems the Siddaramaiah government took a vow to convert Karnataka into a state of drunkards just to fill its treasury." This sharp criticism points to what Vijayendra views as a dangerous prioritization of revenue generation over public health and social welfare.

Financial Mismanagement Allegations

According to Vijayendra, the Karnataka government finds itself in a bankrupt condition after two-and-a-half years in power, having failed to launch any substantial development initiatives. He specifically alleged that the administration increased excise targets to compensate for the financial strain caused by implementing various guarantee schemes.

When addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent visit to Hubballi for distributing houses to economically disadvantaged families, Vijayendra dismissed the event as mere political theater. He clarified that these housing projects were originally sanctioned and initiated during the previous BJP government's tenure under former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

Broader Political Accusations

The Karnataka BJP president extended his criticism beyond fiscal matters, accusing the state government of practicing appeasement politics and showing disregard for Hindu victims of violence. He cited two separate cases to illustrate what he termed a double standard in compensation distribution.

Regarding police notices served to BJP workers concerning alleged hate speech incidents at Tarikeri, Vijayendra condemned the government's actions as undemocratic. He claimed that the administration introduced a hate speech bill during the Belagavi legislative session specifically to intimidate and silence opposition voices through coercive measures.