...
...
...
Next Story

Opposition attacks Nitish Kumar over hooch deaths in Bihar’s Siwan, Saran districts

ByArun Kumar
Updated on: Oct 17, 2024 02:50 PM IST

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said there was a so-called liquor ban in Bihar but liquor was available at every square and intersection

PATNA: As the death toll due to illegally brewed liquor in western Bihar’s Saran and Siwan districts rose to 24, opposition parties on Thursday attacked the Nitish Kumar government over the efficacy of prohibition that he introduced eight years ago.

Siwan: Family members mourn the deaths due to spurious liquor in Siwan district on Thursday (PTI)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha said that a syndicate had been operating in Bihar, with the backing of the state’s top politicians and bureaucrats, that made liquor available.

“The government is incapable and compromised. The official figures of deaths are coming and it is painful. Many families have lost their bread earners and children… This is not an isolated incident. It has been happening at regular intervals and this is why leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav often says the syndicate is thriving like an industry in Bihar,” Jha added.

Congress’s Bhagalpur lawmaker Ajeet Sharma said a parallel economy had emerged in the state due to rampant smuggling and trade of illicit liquor. He said the government should either completely enforce prohibition and if this was not possible, then it should heavily tax liquor so that the revenue is used for public welfare. “A few days ago Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that 90% of the people had given up liquor. It means 10% are still consuming. That means prohibition is not effective in the state,” he added.

Prohibition and excise minister Ratnesh Sada expressed concern over the incident that had killed so many people but insisted that prohibition was a success. “Nobody can dare to consume liquor openly. The incidents are painful, but those behind them would not be spared. I will urge the chief minister to use Crime Control Act (CCA) against the liquor mafia. The society needs to be awakened,” he added.

Janata Dal United spokesperspn Arvind Nishad accused the opposition of “patronising and encouraging liquor mafia”. “The kind of language opposition leaders use only boosts the morale of the mafia. The government always deals with such elements sternly and more steps will be taken to nail the liquor mafia,” he added.

 
Tell us what your First Vote will stand for in a short video & get a chance to be featured on HT’s social media handles. Click here to know more!

Stay updated Bihar Lok Sabha Result and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
Tell us what your First Vote will stand for in a short video & get a chance to be featured on HT’s social media handles. Click here to know more!

Stay updated Bihar Lok Sabha Result and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Subscribe Now