The State BJP has complained to the Election Commission of India (ECI) about transfers in the Prohibition and Excise department that they believe were made to manipulate the upcoming elections. The transfers were allegedly requested by Prohibition and Excise Minister V Srinivas Goud. The BJP leaders pointed out that the ECI had previously instructed poll-bound States to transfer longstanding officers to ensure fair elections and prevent bias towards ruling parties. However, the transfers requested by Srinivas Goud were approved and officers have been posted accordingly.
The BJP leaders also accused a large number of officers in the department of being affiliated with the Telangana Gazetted Officers’ Association, founded by Minister Srinivas Goud. They claimed that these officers are now being placed in key positions during the election period. They also mentioned that several officials in the Excise department have been in their posts since 2017 and need to be shifted. The leaders alleged that these officials are corrupt and biased, working in favor of the ruling party.
The leaders further highlighted that all liquor depots across the state are under the control of Excise Superintendents posted in Mahbubangar, Sangareddy, Nalgonda, and Ranga Reddy. They accused the ruling party of using liquor to influence voters during elections and requested the EC to review the transfers and take appropriate action.
