Hangover after prohibition

Ban on alcohol consumption in Bihar becomes a key election issue as JD(U) defends it, other parties demand a review, and deaths due to spurious liquor as well as revenue loss fuel criticism. Aditi Phadnis reports

- Aditi Phadnis reports

Some call it "an unmitigated disaster". Others want it reviewed and revised. A minority believes it should be scrapped altogether, arguing it simply hasn't worked. But the ruling Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), is unambiguous: Elections or not, the policy of prohibition in Bihar will not be rolled back.

Assembly polls in the state are due in October-November this year.

"There is no question. We are committed to it. We know how it has transformed the lives of women in Bihar. The effect of this change might not be visible in Patna and Delhi. But violence against women is conspicuously down in Bihar's rural areas. Yes, we are losing revenue because of this policy. But so what? Doesn't the government exist to make the lives of citizens better?," JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha, also a member of the Rajya Sabha, told Business Standard last week over the phone from Seoul, where he was leading a multi-party delegation after Operation Sindoor. "Throughout his tenure, Nitishji (Chief Minister Nitish Kumar) has tried to empower women in Bihar. We will never let them down."

His alliance partners are less sanguine.

Former Union minister and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Ara, R K Singh, veered away from the party line during a public meeting in Bhojpur a few weeks ago, calling on Kumar to comprehensively review the decision on the liquor ban, widely believed to be the core reason for the loss of 2,000 lives since its imposition.

"Prohibition has failed to serve its purpose in Bihar. It is better to abolish it through proper means," Singh said. "The reality is that prohibition is only on paper. Had there been good management, prohibition would have been successful in Bihar. A large section of people is involved in the sale of illicit alcohol."