Bihar MLA Demands Comprehensive Review of Decade-Old Liquor Prohibition Law
In a significant development in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand on Tuesday called for a thorough and detailed review of the state's liquor prohibition law, which was enacted exactly ten years ago by the then Grand Alliance government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The current government, however, firmly rejected this demand, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.
MLA Raises Concerns During Budget Debate
Madhav Anand raised this critical issue while participating in the House debate on the budgetary demand of the rural development department, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar present in the chamber. The RLM is an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, adding political weight to the request.
"It has been a full decade since the prohibition law was implemented," Anand stated. "The Chief Minister is here in the House. My suggestion is that the government should conduct a detailed and comprehensive review of this legislation."
He elaborated on his concerns, pointing out practical challenges and unintended consequences. "The law has been passed, but liquor is still available through home delivery services," Anand noted. "Furthermore, the consumption of dry drugs has increased alarmingly among youths and even school children. A proper assessment must be made to determine what we have gained and what we have lost over these ten years. Additionally, the state has suffered significant revenue losses from the sale of liquor."
Government Firmly Rejects the Demand
Later, speaking to media representatives outside the Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary categorically rejected the demand for a review. "The prohibition law was passed with the consent of the entire House and members from all political parties," Choudhary asserted, emphasizing the broad-based support the legislation originally received.
Political Shifts Amidst the Debate
Meanwhile, in a separate political development on the same day, two key functionaries from the RLM and another from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), along with their supporters, officially joined the Congress party. This event took place at the party's state headquarters in the presence of AICC in-charge for Bihar Krishna Allavaru and state Congress chief Rajesh Ram.
The notable individuals who switched allegiance include:
- RLM state vice-president Jitendra Nath Thakur
- His son Rahul Kumar, who served as the RLM state spokesman
- Social worker Neelam Parween, who was aligned with the RJD
This political realignment underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of Bihar's political landscape, even as debates on longstanding policies like liquor prohibition continue to resonate within the legislative framework.
