Bihar Legislative Council Sees Heated Exchange Over Liquor Delivery Allegations
Patna witnessed a dramatic confrontation in the Bihar legislative council on Thursday as RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh and JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar clashed during Question Hour over explosive allegations regarding liquor delivery despite the state's prohibition policy.
Escalation of Claims and Counterclaims
The exchange was triggered by Singh's claim made a day earlier that liquor could be delivered even within the council campus premises. Responding sharply in the House, Kumar declared that anyone claiming they could arrange liquor delivery could be sent to jail under existing laws.
The confrontation unfolded during a discussion on overcrowding in state jails. RJD MLC Saurabh Kumar noted that pressure on prisons had eased following amendments to the prohibition law, which allow first-time offenders to avoid imprisonment by paying a penalty instead.
Partisan Accusations Fly in Council Chambers
The debate escalated significantly when Neeraj Kumar directly criticized Sunil Kumar Singh over the alleged claim regarding liquor delivery on the Vidhan Mandal premises. Both members engaged in heated accusations, with each blaming the other's political party for patronizing those involved in the illegal liquor trade.
Deputy chairman Ramvachan Rai was forced to intervene, asking members to desist from arguing and maintain decorum in the House. Senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also objected strongly, stating that such discussions should not take place within the legislative council.
Vehicle Seizure Issues Compound Liquor Debate
Later during a call attention motion, members Khalid Anwar and Bhim Sahni raised significant issues faced by vehicle owners whose vehicles had been stolen and later seized after being used for liquor transportation. They highlighted that owners are currently required to pay 10% of the insured declared value to reclaim their vehicles, a rule that has caused considerable hardship.
Other council members joined in seeking changes to this regulation, arguing that innocent vehicle owners should not be penalized for crimes committed by others using their stolen property. In response, Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav informed the House that a committee had already been formed to examine these concerns, and the policy could be amended if the committee's findings warranted changes.
The session highlighted the ongoing challenges Bihar faces in implementing its prohibition policy while addressing practical concerns of citizens caught in enforcement mechanisms.
