Words Gone Wild

That the government would use Srisailam project water in connection with liquor production.

Remarks by Telangana’s Excise Minister that prompted criticism from the BRS. Rao later said he had been misquoted and meant drawing water into the Dindi project from the Srisailam backwaters, not using it for liquor production.

Water for liquor. Priorities, finally clarified.

Reported as saying that Srisailam project water could be used to ensure that liquor production, particularly beer manufacturing, did not face water shortages.

Remarks about water availability for breweries, followed by criticism and a clarification that he had been misquoted.

Farmers wait. Breweries get the water plan.

Jupally said the government would ensure breweries did not face water shortages and indicated that Srisailam water could be used for liquor production. He also said liquor-price increases could raise government revenue without necessarily reducing drinking.

Informal interaction with reporters in Hyderabad about liquor prices, government revenue and water availability for breweries.

Water for liquor. Priorities duly distilled.

“If liquor prices are increased, drinking will not reduce; revenue will increase.”

Informal interaction with reporters in Hyderabad about proposed privilege fees, liquor prices and excise revenue.

Public health, meet the revenue target.

Srisailam project water could be used in connection with liquor production, including to prevent shortages for breweries.

Remarks by Telangana’s Excise Minister about water availability, liquor production and the Dindi project; he later said he had been misquoted and was referring to drawing water into the Dindi project from the Srisailam backwaters.

Farmers wait. Breweries get the water plan.

“It would benefit Telangana if water were drawn into the Dindi project from the Srisailam backwaters rather than the Yedula reservoir.”

Remarks about water sources for the Dindi project; opponents interpreted the remarks as linking Srisailam water to liquor production, while Jupally later said he had been misquoted.

Water policy by way of a liquor conversation.

“Increasing the price of liquor does not reduce drinking; revenue increases.”

Informal interaction with reporters in Hyderabad while discussing excise revenue and liquor pricing.

Public health, reduced to a revenue chart.

Jupally was reported as saying that Srisailam project water could be used for liquor production, and that higher liquor prices could increase government revenue without necessarily reducing drinking. He later said he had been misquoted and meant drawing water from the Srisailam backwaters into the Dindi project.

Informal interaction with reporters in Hyderabad about liquor prices, excise revenue and water availability; the reported remark was later denied as a misquotation.

A water crisis, solved by distillation.

Raising liquor prices does not reduce drinking; it increases government revenue.

Informal interaction with reporters in Hyderabad on liquor prices and government revenue

Public health, reduced to a revenue stream.

“This is unacceptable. Why is this so dirty?”

Surprise inspection of the Tahsildar office at Pentlavelli in Nagarkurnool district; Rao then personally cleaned the washroom

When basic sanitation requires ministerial theatre, the department has already filed its own indictment.

Farmers were advised to cultivate drought-resistant, dry crops because of deficient rainfall and the impact of El Niño.

Defence of the government’s handling of Jurala Project water releases amid farmers’ protests and water scarcity in the ayacut.

No water? Change the crop. Brilliant governance.