Chhattisgarh liquor revenue went up in more than four years, no scam: CM Bhupesh Baghel

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said liquor revenue in the state has gone up in the last four-and-a-half years and there is no question of any scam. Baghel told reporters that the state excise department has issued notices to three distilleries regarding the allegations about the use of fake holograms on (liquor) bottles. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress during a rally in Raipur saying the party had promised a liquor ban in Chhattisgarh, but in reality, crores of rupees of liquor scam went into the account of the party.

Queried on PM Modi's remarks, Baghel said, «Under Raman Singh's government in 2017, liquor revenue of the state stood at Rs 3,900 crore which is now increased to Rs 6,500 crore. There is no question of any scam». The Congress government assumed office in Chhattisgarh in December 2018 after dislodging the BJP from power in elections.

Baghel said holograms are pasted (on bottles) in factories. «If the factory owner and any person are involved (in any irregularity), they should be investigated but the factory/distillery owners are free. »The state Excise department has issued notices to three distilleries asking if they have not used (genuine) holograms or used a duplicate hologram, then why recoveries shouldn't be made from you," the chief minister said.