‘It is my duty to ask them to drink good quality liquor’

Daijiworld Media Network – Bagalkote (EP)

Bagalkote, Jul 2: “Do not spoil your health by being addicted to alcohol. If at all you are unable to give up alcohol, drink good quality liquor.” said new Karnataka minister of excise S Y Meti.

Meti surprised many people when he said "I am embarrassed to say that I am the minister of excise."

Speaking on the occasion of presiding over the state level ‘Press Day’ here on Friday, July 1, he said that he desired the minister’s post but not determined for it. “I became minister with the blessings of the people and the kindness of chief minister. But I was assigned excise portfolio though I had requested that I did not want it,” he said.

“I want to work in my constituency and work for the development in the state. Please give me such portfolio I had asked. But the chief minister said “You work in the excise and collect as much excise duty and give to the government. We will provide as much money for your constituency as you ask”. Therefore I am looking after this portfolio. However it is my moral duty to advise those who consume liquor. It is also my duty to ask them to drink good quality liquor, if they must”, he added.

It is not known whether the drinkers understood the ‘philosophy’ hidden in minister’s words.