Srinivas Goud accuses Congress of targeting toddy tappers, aiding liquor lobby

Hyderabad: Former minister V. Srinivas Goud alleged that the Congress government was actively undermining caste-based professions, accusing it of plotting to ban the toddy tapping trade under pressure from the liquor mafia.

Speaking at Telangana Bhawan on Monday, Goud said the government had reneged on promises made to the toddy tappers’ community, including allocation of land and ₹10 lakh ex gratia for those injured or killed in falls. He claimed there were deliberate leaks suggesting a ban on toddy sales and compound operations within the Outer Ring Road, a move he said was designed to benefit private liquor interests.

Goud recalled that even during former CM N.T. Rama Rao’s prohibition in undivided Andhra Pradesh, toddy and neera were spared due to their medicinal properties. He alleged that the Congress government was now insulting traditional caste professions while failing to curb drug use, ganja trade, or adulterated milk sales.

He also criticised the government for allowing banned beers from other states and indiscriminate licensing of pharmaceutical companies. “If toddy compounds are shut down, the administration itself will become unmanageable,” he warned.