While there is a growing demand from the opposition parties for the sacking of the excise minister Mopidevi Venkataramana following the allegations that he received Rs. 10 lakh as kickbacks from the liquor syndicates, Tirupati MLA Mr Chiranjeevi today defended the excise minister saying the allegations of liquor syndicates against him are baseless.

Chiru, who arrived in Tirupati this morning to tour his assembly constituency, told journalists there is no basis for the allegations.

Chiru said the CM had agreed to release Rs.405 Cr for the integrated development of Tirupati. “Soon steps will be taken for the improvement of drainage system and expanding the drinking water facilities in the town,” he said.

TDP demands arrest of Mopidevi

Making fun of the Mopidevi’s claims he was not corrupt, TDP senior leader Varla Ramaiah disclosed that the minister ensured his son Rajiv, hardly 22 years old, got the sole distribution and marketing rights of the Black Eagle brand beer in AP.

Releasing documents to prove his allegation, Ramaiah said Rajeev had registered a partnership firm in the name of Credence Venture Capital on June 16 last year and with in a month the organization was given the distribution and marketing rights for the Black Eagle beer by the international company Inbave.

“The minister misused his position and ensured his son got the distribution rights for the favors extended to the company,” the TDP leader alleged. “How can the minister’s son get the dealership when there are companies well established in the business?” he asked demanding an explanation from Mopidevi Venkataramana. (JUBS)