The Andhra Pradesh Excise Department recently implemented a marginal increase in the prices of certain liquor products, prompting immediate reactions from political leaders. YSR Congress Party (YCP) leaders accused the AP government of committing a major mistake by raising liquor prices. However, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra swiftly countered these claims.
 

Minister Ravindra clarified that the price hike only affects hard liquor, and even then, it is a modest ₹10 increase. He emphasized that the prices of ₹99 liquor, which is popular among economically weaker sections, as well as beer, have remained unchanged. Ravindra further explained that the price adjustment was aimed at generating an additional ₹100-150 crore in government revenue, asserting that such changes are a routine part of governance.
 

The minister also addressed the YCP narrative, accusing the opposition of spreading false information to damage the government's reputation. He noted that the AP government had eradicated the syndicate brands that were introduced during the previous administration, and that investigations into those matters were ongoing.
 

In summary, the slight increase in liquor prices applies only to hard liquor and is aimed at boosting government revenue, while products that are commonly consumed by the public remain unaffected. Such adjustments are a standard practice and not an unusual move for any government.