Liquor Sales Surge in Telangana Ahead of Polls

Telangana has witnessed an unexpected surge in liquor sales as the state gears up for the November 30 assembly elections. In a stark contrast to the typical summer spike, the excise department has reported a significant rise in beer consumption. Between November 1 and November 20, approximately 22 lakh cases of beer were sold, compared to just 12 lakh cases during the same period last year.

Sources reveal that many politicians and candidates had pre-stocked beer, anticipating its popularity among voters in their constituencies before the implementation of the model code of conduct. They are now distributing this stock discreetly to avoid attracting the attention of election officials.

While beer sales have surged, overall liquor sales have only marginally increased compared to the previous year. The total liquor sales between November 1 and November 20 amounted to Rs 1,470 crore, compared to Rs 1,260 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Seizures Indicate Larger Stockpile

Government officials have seized substantial amounts of stored liquor in the past month, suggesting that a potentially larger stockpile remains undiscovered.

Additionally, discreet arrangements have been made with liquor shops to supply large volumes during the election period, coinciding with the Election Commission’s order to close liquor stores from November 28 until the end of voting on November 30.

Sharp Contrast to 2018 Elections

This surge in pre-election liquor stock and arrangements with shops marks a stark contrast to the 2018 elections when liquor sales dipped significantly just before voting day. The Election Commission authorities attributed the drop in sales during that period to their stringent monitoring.tunesharemore_vertadd_photo_alternate

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