LoP alleges bias in new excise policy, seeks limited allocation

Alleging that the new excise policy approved by the Hemant Soren Cabinet was meant to favour a particular syndicate in the liquor business, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Saturday demanded that the state government amend the policy and not allot more than one liquor retail shop to one person or group.

- Vishal Kant

RANCHI:

Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state headquarters, Marandi, also the president of the party's Jharkhand unit, further demanded a quota for tribals, Dalits, and women in the allotment of licences for operating retail shops.

Marandi argued that these steps would provide employment opportunities to a diverse set of people and keep a check on cartelisation of the liquor business in the state.