Mysuru:  The Karnataka State Liquor Merchants Development Co-operative Society has opposed the  Statewide Liquor Bandh called by the Federation of Wine Merchants Associations on Nov. 20.

Addressing a press meet here  on Friday, Society President S. Chandrashekar said that the Society has already said in Bengaluru that it would not support the Nov. 20 bandh.

Pointing out that a 5-point charter of demands of Excise License holders has been submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Nov.11, Chandrashekar said the CM has responded positively to the demands.

Maintaining that liquor stores in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts will be open as usual on Nov. 20, he warned that a complaint would be lodged with the Police if anyone attempts to disturb business on Nov. 20.

Noting that similar meetings will be held across the State to oppose the Nov. 20 bandh call, he claimed that the Federation of Wine Merchants led by S. Guruswamy, had ceased to function after it was formed in 2002-03 and as such had become non-existent. Chandrashekar said that the Rs.700 crore corruption charges in the Excise Department involving officials and the Excise Minister, which  is making a loud noise  in Maharashtra poll campaigns, was totally false.

Former Corporator Devaraju, who is also an Excise License holder, Society Vice-President M.C. Doddanayaka, office-bearers Hanumanthegowda, Krishnappa, C.G. Gangadhar, Srinivas, Gururaj, Chennakeshava and others were present.