MLAs drag kin into liquor debate

HYDERABAD: Charges levelled against sons of Kanna, Dharmana, Venkataramana and Chandrababu The debate on liquor syndicates in the Assembly deviated from the main topic at several times and heated exchange of words took place between the opposition and treasury benches. They resorted to personal accusations.The debate stooped to such a level that the members even dragged their wards into the picture.“Your son was caught at airport bringing Rs 50 lakh worth of liquor from abroad,” TDP member Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu accused Kanna Lakshminarayana.In retaliation, Kanna made allegations against TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Lokesh. Then Naidu reacted, pointing fingers at Congress members, “I have inculcated discipline to my son. I am proud of my son and daughter-in-law. Both studied in Stanford university. But, you are not nurturing your sons into good citizens.”This remark further surcharged the atmosphere in the House.“You are insulting those who studied in the country... It is not correct to state that those who studied in foreign countries alone are good,” Congress member Madhusudhan Gupta said while suggesting Naidu to think and speak like a responsible father.Naidu said he had no intention to insult anyone and was only advising the members to make their sons good citizens and assets to the nation.Kanna said, “My boy brought liquor without knowledge. But he paid the taxes later.”Gali Muddu Krishnama Naidu as a teacher was caught thrice playing rummy in educational institutions, he charged. TDP members alleged that the sons of ministers Venkataramana and Dharmana Prasada Rao were involved in liquor business.Dharmana clarified that his son was not involved in any business.Venkataramana said he wanted to secure the future of his son and so planned to take Black Eagle Beer distribution.“Later, I realised that it is not correct as I am an excise minister. I have applied for cancellation of the the firm, Inbev. The Black Eagle beer did not hit the markets as alleged by the Opposition,” he said.