MLA sits on fast for closure of liquor shops

Kadapa: Proddatur YSRCP MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy launched a day-long fast here on Saturday, demanding that the state government should close five liquor shops located at Rameswaram street in Proddatur town. Students and women in large number have extended support to the MLA’s hunger strike.

According to sources, five liquor shops were opened within 30 metres distance on the busy Rameswaram street and close to ancient Rameswaram temple and educational institutions. Liquor shops were set up side by side in the street. Residents, students and employees,

who are coming to the street for various works, are finding it difficult to pass through the street as drunkards are creating nuisance and even urinating in open space on the roadside causing embarrassment to women and pedestrians. The Excise department has failed to shift liquor shops to some other location despite several appeals from the public and women.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA alleged that the TDP government has failed to remove belt shops across the district. He asked how the Excise department had issued licenses to the five liquor shops within distance of 30 metres and close to the temples, schools and colleges.

The YSRCP leader warned to intensify agitation if the government fails to close liquor shops on Rameswaram street. YSRCP town president Ch Prasad, party district women wing president G Vijayalakshmi, party district official spokesman Y Bhaskar, youth leaders S Pratap Reddy, L Pavan Kumar Reddy and others were present.