Opposing the introduction of cheap liquor in the state, leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly H D Kumaraswamy urged the state government not to accord a red carpet welcome to liquor barons.
Speaking to reporters after taking oath as an MLA at the Vidhana Soudha after taking oath on Thursday, he said since the beginning, his party was opposed to manufacture and sale of cheap liquor to gain popularity. “The liquor barons may have financed the Congress during the elections, but the latter need not pay them back by allowing them to manufacture and sale cheap liquor. When there are other avenues to fill the government’s treasury then why the government wants to introduce cheap liquor,” he asked.
He recalled a hooch tragedy on the outskirts of Bangalore when Siddaramaiah was the deputy chief minister holding the excise portfolio. The tragedy had claimed more than 30 lives. “The people of the state have not demanded cheap liquor. When this is the ground reality why is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a great hurry to introduce cheap liquor,” he said, adding that the JD(S) would not allow the government to do it in the interest of health of the people.
Kumaraswamy said he does not believe in walking out and moving adjournment motions as that would waste the time of the Assembly. He said as an Opposition leader, he would take into confidence not only the BJP but also the independents, the KJP and the BSR Congress for the smooth functioning of the Assembly.