There seems to be more than what meets the eye in the excise minister, Mr Mopidevi Venkata Ramana’s son nurturing business ties with Belgium-based beer giant InBev.

Though the excise minister on Thursday defended son Mopidevi Rajeev’s company, saying they did not move ahead with the sale of the Black Eagle brand in the state, he did not bring forth the topic of its interests in Tamil Nadu.

Sources told this newspaper that two powerful liquor manufacturers, one each from Telangana and Andhra regions, introduced InBev representatives to the minister last year. They subsequently got permission to produce additional quota for distilleries in the state.

According to sources, Anheuser-Busch InBev being more interested in launching operations in Tamil Nadu, the company was reportedly promised that it would be given a toehold in the neighbouring state through a “crucial link” from Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Rajeev’s company was subsequently granted dealership for both states, the sources added.
On Thursday, Mr Venkata Ramana admitted that a firm was set up in June 2011 to market InBev’s products, with his son as partner.

However, with conflict of interest hovering in the horizon, the excise minister said, “We have decided not to pursue the dealership.”

Mr Venkat Ramana said the company is not selling a single bottle of beer in the state. “Though the price-fixing committee approved InBev’s Black Eagle (brand), the company did not apply for approval of the label design,” he said.

He added that it clearly indicates he was no more pursuing the dealership.

The minister alleged that the liquor mafia and Telugu Desam are making constant efforts to defame him for taking on the liquor syndicates. He also hinted at the need for major systemic improvements to find a permanent solution to the syndicates, and ensure sale of liquor strictly in accordance with MRP.