CM Kumaraswamy says no to liquor e-sale

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, on Friday, said he will shelve a proposal to sell liquor online.

“I saw it on some news channels this morning. I called concerned officials and directed them to immediately stop this,” Kumaraswamy told reporters here.

“It was a decision taken by the previous government. I wasn’t a part of the previous government. Officials had prepared to implement it. I’ve asked officials to get me that file. I will review the file and end it,” he said.

Apparently, the government was keen to allow liquor to be sold online, to boost revenues and make up for the Rs 45,000 crore crop loan waiver that Kumaraswamy announced.

In fact, Kumaraswamy held meetings with different stakeholders on the proposal. However, retailers were opposed to the move. This may have resulted in Kumaraswamy taking a U-turn.

Neighbouring Maharashtra initially announced its plan to allow home-delivery of liquor. Following protests, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that no such decision was taken.