RLM MLA Madhav Anand with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: With the formation of a new government in Bihar, fresh demands have emerged for the withdrawal of the state’s liquor prohibition policy. Madhav Anand, an MLA from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), visited the Chief Minister’s residence and urged a review of the prohibition law while speaking to journalists.
He called upon Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to reassess the policy, stating that the time had come for a detailed evaluation. Anand recalled raising the issue earlier during an Assembly session, where he had urged former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to conduct a comprehensive review of the prohibition.
He noted that his stance had drawn criticism, with many questioning the audacity of raising such an issue before Nitish Kumar. “I spoke with seriousness, patience and discipline in the House, and I remain equally serious now,” he said.
Taking to social media platform X, Anand stated that he had paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to congratulate him on his new responsibility. He added that their meeting included a constructive discussion on Bihar’s development, good governance and public welfare, expressing confidence that the state would achieve new milestones under Choudhary’s leadership.
Bihar has enforced total prohibition since 2016. However, critics argue that the ban has fuelled illegal liquor trade, giving rise to a parallel economy. Several incidents of deaths due to spurious liquor have also been reported, claiming hundreds of lives over the years.
Leaders across party lines, including those within the ruling alliance, have repeatedly voiced concerns over the policy. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has openly criticised the law, alleging that it disproportionately targets the poor. Although the government has introduced amendments to the policy on multiple occasions, it remains to be seen whether Bihar will move towards lifting the prohibition.
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