Karnataka Minister Drops Doorstep Liquor Plan After Yediyurappa’s Rebuke

Karnataka Excise Minister H Nagesh has backed away from a proposal to deliver liquor to people’s homes after Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa reportedly objected, apparently worried that talk of alcohol during the floods could spark a fresh controversy.

The Chief Minister’s rebuke

According to sources, Yediyurappa phoned Nagesh on Thursday morning and demanded an explanation, telling him he should not have floated the idea or spoken to the press, and that he should “keep your ideas with yourself” because the state was dealing with floods. The Chief Minister also reportedly asked him to hold another press conference to make clear that the government had no such plan.

The minister’s U-turn

Nagesh then told reporters that his comments had been misread. He said he had only cited examples of liquor delivery in other states, that there was no plan for doorstep delivery and that the department had issued no such order. He apologised to women who had been offended and said the aim was to eradicate illicit liquor in the state.

On Wednesday, after a meeting with officials, Nagesh had told the press that a proposal to issue identity cards to people addicted to liquor and supply them at home was being considered. He said the aim was to curb drunk driving and the accidents it causes, compared the idea to home delivery of milk, and said district commissioners would issue the identity cards.

A few days earlier, the department had drawn attention over an NGO’s suggestion to make Aadhaar compulsory for buying liquor. Nagesh said that was not being considered, nor was any plan to provide transport to drunk people lying on roads, as such steps would encourage drinking.

Background

Nagesh is an independent MLA from Mulbagilu and was among the 17 MLAs who camped in Mumbai. He had backed HD Kumaraswamy’s Congress-JD(S) coalition government during its 14-month tenure but later sided with the BJP as the rebellion gathered pace.

See also: Janata Dal (Secular) | State assembly members

Originally published on 5 September 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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