Netas fight behind bars

Excise minister wants to extend bar timings from 11 pm to 2 am, but the CM is in no mood to entertain the idea

Excise minister wants to extend bar timings from 11 pm to 2 am, but the CM is in no mood to entertain the idea

Excise minister MP Renukacharya's enthusiasm to extend the night deadline for bars and pubs seems to have earned him chief minister BS Yeddyurappa's wrath, which may put the final decision on hold.

While Renukacharya is still hopeful of a favourable decision, home minister V S Acharya said, "There is no such option before the government and the deadline will not be changed."

Insiders in the BJP said that Acharya was speaking on behalf of Yeddyurappa, who was upset over Renukacharya's unilateral statements on allowing bars and pubs to open until 2 am.

Hold your horses pub-goers, the 2 am deadline may not be a reality after all.

According to sources in the BJP, Renukacharya had given his assurance to pub owners after coming to an understanding with them, but the CM has decided to discourage the move.

"Everyone in the party knows that Renukacharya has yielded to the pub lobby and the move would bring a bad name to the government. The CM will not take his idea in this case," said the source.

Renukacharya obtained a cabinet berth after spearheading dissident activities against the CM last year, with demands including dropping Yeddyurappa's friend Shobha Karandlaje from the cabinet.
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The CM could not come to terms with him, and Renukachaya is not in his good books for the same.

'Impractical move'

"I will not comment on the corruption allegations behind Renukacharya's move," said Achraya. "More importantly, it is a law and order issue and the extension of deadline up to 2 am is not practical."

This may dampen the pub owners' mood, who are still counting on Renukacharya's assurance, for making hay while the soccer fever is on.

"Major matches in the world cup are scheduled at midnight, and if we are allowed to open till 2 am, we can go for a big screen display, " said a pub owner. "
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Sources say that minister had given assurance to pub owners after coming to an understanding with them.

But the government must take a quick decision so that we can take advantage of that."

But, given the current situation, the government is unlikely to favour the idea.

"I think they won't do it. Considering the various factors, it seems unlikely," said Vanagiri Gowda, president, Wine Merchants Association.

But Renukacharya is still hopeful. He said, "I don't know in what context Acharya has spoken about the deadline. I will talk to him and the CM to convince them about the advantages of the extension."

He added that a meeting was called towards the end of this month to discuss the issue. Once he got the nod, the process would be put on a fast track.