No plan to hike liquor prices: Gopalaiah

NT Correspondent

The state government has no proposal to hike liquor prices, confirmed Excise Minister K. Gopalaiah. Talking to reporters after attending a pre-budget meeting convened by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai here on Thursday, the minister said after seeing the financial status of the department, Bommai has given certain suggestions and promised to extend full cooperation for its welfare.

The excise department will be given a new look in the 2022-23 State budget. The next course of action would be discussed with the finance department secretary and the CM.

Certain demands of the department have been brought to the notice of Bommai and he has promised to positively respond to it in the coming budget or after the budget, he said. “I have sympathy for this department and will take all steps to check harassment.

Facilities will be extended to employees subject to economic limits. Change of rules will be done, if necessary,” said Goaplaiah. He said strong measures have been taken to check the manufacture of fake liquor within the state and the arrival of fake liquor from other states. This has increased revenue for the government. The excise commissioner has been asked to take strong action against persons who are behind fake liquor scams.

Won’t leave BJP
Gopalaiah ruled out quitting the BJP that has given him power and respect. Seventeen MLAs from the Congress and JD(S) had resigned and joined the BJP two years ago. They became ministers after they won the by-elections. “No one has applied to join other parties. No leaders from other parties are in touch with us and we too are not interested. What will they do by going to another party? The BJP has made us ministers and given us power.

Those who lost the by-elections have been nominated to the state Legislative Council and others were appointed chairmen of various boards and corporations. The high command is aware of those who haven’t made it to the Council of Ministers and will take the right decision at the right time”. he said.