RJD Signals No Opposition to Lifting Bihar Liquor Ban Amid NDA Pressure
In a significant political development, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has declared that it will not oppose the Bihar government if it decides to lift the decade-old prohibition law. This statement comes amid mounting pressure from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies for a comprehensive review of the controversial liquor ban.
RJD Legislator's Surprising Stance
Interacting with reporters at the state assembly in Patna on Wednesday, four-time RJD legislator Bhai Birendra clarified his party's position. Birendra, who represents the Maner assembly seat and is considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, stated, "We strongly supported the government in 2016 when it decided to enforce a total liquor ban. But if the government now wants to review the ban and lift it, then we won't oppose."
When pressed on whether the RJD favors lifting the ban, Birendra reiterated the party's initial support for prohibition but added, "They have no objection to the government's plan to lift the ban." He further alleged that the liquor ban exists only on paper in Bihar, hinting at widespread enforcement failures.
Internal Criticisms and Challenges
Adding to the controversy, RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh claimed the liquor ban is a complete failure. He challenged reporters to witness proof on the last day of the assembly session, February 27, stating, "I will show you how the consignment of liquor is delivered here." This internal criticism underscores growing dissatisfaction with the law's implementation.
NDA Allies Push for Review
The RJD's stance emerges as NDA allies, including the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) or HAM(S), have publicly called for a review of the prohibition law. Both parties hold ministerial representation in the current House and argue that the ban is causing significant financial losses to the Bihar government.
- HAM(S) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi emphasized, "Prohibition is causing significant financial losses to the Bihar government, and Nitish Kumar should address this."
- RLM MLA Madhav Anand questioned, "It is high time the liquor law must be reviewed to know what the people of the state got, whether their economic condition improved, and how much revenue loss the state faced."
Government's Defense of the Ban
Despite the mounting pressure, parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary defended the prohibition law. He stated, "The law was implemented with full awareness that the government would suffer revenue losses. Despite financial losses, the state has performed well on all development indicators." This indicates the government's current commitment to continuing with the ban, despite calls for change.
The evolving political dynamics suggest a potential shift in Bihar's prohibition policy, with key players like the RJD adopting a flexible stance that could influence future legislative decisions.
