Patna: Leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has indicated that the liquor prohibition policy, in effect since 2016, could be reviewed if his party comes to power after the upcoming state assembly elections. Speaking at a public event on Sunday, the RJD leader said that the ban had raised multiple concerns and that a decision on its future would be taken in consultation with intellectuals, bureaucrats, and members of the prospective government.
“The liquor ban has led to a surge in questions and complications,” Yadav said. “Once our government is formed, we will engage with various stakeholders and arrive at a consensus on how to proceed.”
The prohibition law, introduced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, aimed to address social issues stemming from alcohol consumption. However, critics argue that it has resulted in a significant loss of state revenue and a rise in illegal liquor trade. Estimates suggest the state may have lost over Rs 3,000 crore annually in tax revenue, affecting public spending on education, healthcare, and development projects. There have also been reports of rising violence linked to liquor smuggling, including attacks on law enforcement.
Yadav’s remarks come amid renewed debate over the efficacy of the prohibition policy, with many advocating a re-evaluation to curb the black market and replenish state finances.
“Criminals have become Vijay-Samrat”
Turning his criticism towards the incumbent NDA government, Yadav launched a scathing attack on the state’s law and order situation, accusing the administration of harbouring criminals. Referring to Bihar’s two deputy chief ministers, Vijay Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, he said: “Criminals have become Vijay-Samrat in Nitish Kumar’s government.”
“There is no action against criminals. Gang rape is happening in ambulances. Shootouts are occurring in broad daylight. Over 100 murders have been reported in a single week,” he alleged, painting a grim picture of public safety in the state.
Rs 71,000 crore unaccounted for, says CAG
Yadav also cited the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which highlighted that the Bihar government had failed to provide utilisation certificates for expenditure worth Rs 71,000 crore. The report sharply criticised the state’s lack of transparency, with Yadav terming it “a massive scam.”
“This is a government of the corrupt, by the corrupt. They have no record of where the funds have gone,” he said.
The CAG’s findings have added fuel to the opposition’s narrative of administrative failure and alleged misgovernance under the Nitish-led coalition.
