Key Takeaways
- The Liquor ban would be lifted if the NDA forms the government in Bihar, according to former CM Jeetan Ram Manjhi.
- Manjhi proposes adopting a limited-sale model similar to Gujarat instead of a total prohibition.
- Critics argue that the current ban is poorly enforced, with illegal sales and home deliveries still occurring.
Patna: Former Bihar Chief Minister and patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Jeetan Ram Manjhi on Saturday said that liquor ban would be lifted if NDA was voted to power in the state.
Manjhi told media persons here that liquor ban would be lifted and open sale of all types of liquor would be allowed if NDA was voted to power in Bihar in next Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had given license in large number, which led to opening of liquor outlets even in small and remote localities of Bihar, after he came to power in 2005 and 2010 state assembly elections, he pointed out.
“One fine morning on April 5, he imposed complete liquor ban but liquor was still available and it was also being served through home delivery,” HAM leader said adding that most of those put behind bars for violation of liquor ban, were of oppressed section of the society.
They had no resources to bear the expenses of legal procedures required to come out from jail, he added.
“We can also opt for Gujarat model of liquor ban in Bihar so that limited sale of liquor could be allowed,” Manjhi stressed.
There was no use of liquor ban if it was not enforced strictly, he felt.
HAM leader said that all parties had extended their support to Chief Minister Kumar in his decision to enforce liquor ban in Bihar.
Failure of Nitish Kumar government in strictly imposing liquor ban had defeated the very purpose of prohibition law, he lamented.
