New Delhi: Allies of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar are demanding a review of his pet policy of liquor ban in the state. The demands are being raised by different ally parties of the JD(U), like the HAM(s), headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi and also the RLM of Upendra Kushwaha.
The liquor ban in Bihar was imposed more than a decade back and effectively made the state dry. It also left at least 8 lakh people facing the law, for alleged illegal storage or consumption of liquor.
Why political parties want liquor ban revoked?
HAM(S) founder and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is the latest entrant to join the debate around liquor ban. According to a report in the Times of India, he demanded a review of the government policy, saying that the ban had only impacted the poor and deprived sections of society. He said that the economically backward were made the scapegoat of this liquor ban in Bihar.
Stating figures he said that at least 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh cases in Bihar related to liquor ban had been filed against the economically deprived sections. He also said that those involved in large scale liquor smuggling were being let off by the police after they bribed the officials. He also highlighted the fact that the state was facing revenue losses due to the ban on booze.
Speaking to reporters in Gaya he said, “Prohibition is causing significant financial losses to the Bihar government and Nitish Kumar should address this.” He added, “Sharabbandi to ho nahi rahi hai…home delivery ho rahi hai.” (Liquor ban is not being enforced in the state. Home delivery of liquor is happening).
Manjhi also said that what is alarming in the case is that the poor people are being exposed to spurious liquor, available at cheap rates. This is causing several deaths, he added. Not only was it shortening the life span of people but it was also leading to people catching several diseases, said the Union Minister.
Manjhi said that the policy was not wrong, but its implementation was flawed.
Earlier, another political leader from RLM, Madhav Anand had also demanded review of the liquor ban in Bihar. Speaking in the House, he said “The law has been passed but liquor is available through home delivery.”
He also talked about the revenue loss that Bihar had faced over the years, following the liquor ban. CM Nitish Kumar was also present in the House when Anand raised the issue.
JD(U)’s response to demand by allies to review liquor policy
Nitish Kumar’s party, the JD(U) meanwhile remained firm on liquor ban in the state. The party called the demands being made by its allies as “ridiculous” and said that the prohibition law was passed following a consensus from all parties.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “First of all parties reached a consensus and they took a pledge on the floor of the House. So review for what?”
He also claimed that public confidence had grown following the ban on liquor and said that women were feeling much more empowered now and were grateful to Nitish Kumar for having implemented the ban on liquor.