Liquor shops to remain closed on weekends if BJP wins in Telangana State

Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is promising restriction on sale of liquor in Telangana if voted to power in the State. The saffron party is proposing major overhaul of liquor policy in its manifesto and also stating that it would not look at Excise as revenue generating source. The BJP manifesto panel comprising chairman NVSS Prabhakar and 17 BJP leaders held a meeting on Saturday to list out party priorities in preparation of election manifesto.

Elaborating meeting details, Prabhakar said that the BJP's manifesto would be a “Sakala Janula Manifesto” (manifesto catering to needs of all sections). Commenting on reforms on sale of liquor, he said that liquor shops and bars would be open only till 6 pm on weekdays and completely closed on weekends and holidays. He said that they would take phase-wise steps on imposing restrictions on sale of liquor in Telangana.

The BJP is proposing to cancel VAT being collected by Telangana on petrol (30 per cent) and diesel (27 per cent). According to saffron party, the tax collected in Telangana was highest in the country. Another promise being made is filling of one lakh government jobs within three months of coming to power. Also, aspirants preparing for job exams would be given free coaching.

Every mandal in each district would have an Intermediate and Degree college to ensure that students from economically weak backgrounds pursue higher education. Another promise being made is cancellation of surcharges being collected by RTC for travelling during festive season. Devotees who take Ayyappa deeksha or Anjaneya deeksha or Bhavani deeksha can go to respective pilgrimage centres free of cost with the government to bear travelling charges.