Toddy to be out of prohibition law if voted to power: Tejashwi

I had strongly objected to the inclusion of toddy in the prohibition law, before its implementation. But Nitish Kumar did not listen TEJASHWI YADAV, Former deputy CM

- HT Correspondent

PATNA: Leader of the opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Sunday said that toddy would be kept out of the purview of the prohibition law enforced in the state, if his government came to power after the 2025 Assembly polls.

Addressing an event organised by Tari Vyavsay Majahutan at SK Memorial hall, Yadav said the prohibition law implemented in the state on April 1, 2016 had brought umpteen difficulties to the Pasi community, which traditionally had been engaged in the sale and production of tari or toddy.

Toddy is a kind of alcoholic beverage made from palm tree sap through fermentation.

"I had strongly objected to the inclusion of toddy in the prohibition law, before its implementation. But chief minister Nitish Kumar at that time did not listen. For last many years, Pasi community has been facing umpteen difficulties in eking out a living as their traditional profession has been snatched from them. But once we come to power, we will keep toddy out of the purview of the prohibition law," Yadav said. The anti-liquor law bans sale, purchase and manufacture of liquor in the state for complete prohibition.

Sources said the event organised by a group was backed by the RJD in an apparent bid to woo the Pasis, who form a sizeable vote bank among the scheduled caste community in the state. Several RJD leaders from the community including former Speaker Udai Narayan Choudhary were present at the event.