Patna: Prashant Kishor, the convenor of the Jan Suraj campaign, has launched a scathing critique against both the ruling NDA government and the opposition RJD over the issue of liquor prohibition in Bihar.
Addressing media representatives during his ongoing Jan Suraj Padyatra in Saharsa, Kishor questioned the efficacy of liquor prohibition policies, not only in Bihar and India but globally. He challenged proponents of prohibition to provide evidence demonstrating its economic and social benefits anywhere in the world. Kishor argued that if prohibition indeed led to development, all affluent countries would have adopted it.
Disputing claims linking prohibition with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, Kishor contended that Gandhi never advocated for government-imposed liquor bans. Instead, Gandhi emphasized personal abstinence from alcohol consumption. Kishor criticized the imposition of prohibition laws in Gandhi’s name, stating it contradicted his beliefs.
Highlighting the economic repercussions of prohibition, Kishor asserted that Bihar incurs an annual loss of Rs 20,000 crores due to the policy. He emphasized the disproportionate impact on women, who bear the brunt of the prohibition’s adverse effects.
In a pointed remark directed at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Kishor attributed responsibility for the prohibition policy’s shortcomings to the major supporting parties, the RJD and BJP. He criticized both parties for their role in perpetuating the policy, stating that if Nitish Kumar reversed course seven times, the RJD and BJP were each culpable thrice.
Kishor’s criticism comes amid ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the efficacy and consequences of Bihar’s prohibition policy, with stakeholders voicing differing opinions on its effectiveness and impact.
