Patna: The political consensus around Bihar’s contentious alcohol prohibition law appears to be shifting, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav suggesting a possible review of the ban if his alliance returns to power.
The remarks follow political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor’s bold claim that a government formed under his Jan Suraaj movement would revoke the state’s liquor ban within an hour. Enforced since April 1,2016 under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration, the prohibition policy has long been a political touchstone in Bihar, earning both praise and criticism.
Yadav, the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan alliance, signalled a softening of his earlier stance in a recent interaction hosted by Live Cities in Patna. “We will consult intellectuals and take steps based on majority opinion. When voices rise, review becomes necessary,” he said when asked about the future of prohibition.
Until now, Yadav had primarily advocated lifting the ban on toddy, a traditional alcoholic beverage tied to the livelihood of the Pasi community, which constitutes roughly 1% of Bihar’s population according to the state’s caste-based survey. In March, he had promised to amend the prohibition law to exempt toddy if elected to power.
The current law, introduced by Nitish Kumar ostensibly to curb domestic violence and crime, has garnered significant support from women voters—one of the key constituencies for his Janata Dal United (JDU). Kumar had taken a hardline stance in 2016, requiring all lawmakers, state employees and officials to take a pledge to abstain from alcohol.
However, the law’s enforcement has drawn criticism for overburdening the judicial system. According to Amit Kumar Jain, Additional Director General of Bihar’s Prohibition Department, more than 63,000 people have been arrested under the law just this year, including over 38,000 drinkers and nearly 25,000 sellers or suppliers. Since the ban was enacted, lakhs of cases have been filed, with courts—from the lower judiciary to the Supreme Court—regularly expressing concern over the caseload.
Jain also revealed that over 96,000 vehicles seized in liquor-related cases have either been auctioned or released upon fine payment, generating Rs 428.5 crore in revenue. Of these, 75,989 were auctioned and 20,071 released after fines. More than 13,900 liquor traders from outside the state have been arrested since 2016.
Meanwhile, calls to reconsider aspects of the ban are growing louder. A Dalit leader reportedly submitted a memorandum at the JDU headquarters demanding an exemption for toddy, prompting the chief minister to seek a report on the matter.
