YSRCP leader Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) has hit back at the TDP leaders over the spurious liquor scandal.

Accusing Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP of double standards, Mr. Nani, while addressing the media at Machilipatnam on Friday, said they were protecting criminals with tainted past.

Mr. Nani further criticised Mr. Naidu and HRD Minister N. Lokesh for “prioritising personal gains over public welfare.”

The Excise Department was alarmed at the sheer scale of fake liquor production, the YSRCP leader said, adding that licensed distilleries were facing unfair competition from illegal operations at places like Mulakalacheruvu in Annamayya district.

The previous instances at Amalapuram, Parawada of Anakapalli, and Nellore illustrate how widespread the racket was, he said, adding that the racket had come to light only due to disputes in the TDP over sharing of profits.

Mr. Nani questioned why the Ministers from the districts affected remained silent and why the Excise Minister did not taken any action. “Why is Mr. Lokesh, known for his active social media presence, staying quiet,” he wondered. “They are trying to downplay the cases instead of pursuing them thoroughly,” he alleged.