Patna, Feb 18 (NationPress) Almost ten years after the introduction of total prohibition in Bihar, the liquor ban is under intense political scrutiny once more. Leaders from both the ruling coalition and the opposition are questioning its effectiveness, given the ongoing reports of illegal sales, home delivery of alcohol, and numerous arrests.

During passionate debates in the Bihar Assembly, lawmakers discussed the shortcomings in enforcement and called for a thorough assessment of the prohibition policy that has been effective since 2016.

RJD MLA Bhai Virendra expressed his willingness to take any sobriety test, insisting that if the government conducts such tests, they should encompass alcohol, dry intoxicants, marijuana, and tobacco, applied uniformly to all.

CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurav claimed that the prohibition law has utterly failed, alleging that liquor is being produced openly in residences, turning into a hidden business.

CPI MLA Ajay Kumar argued that prohibition could only succeed if politicians and officials abstain from alcohol, alleging that open sales persist despite the ban.

Bhojpuri actor and former RJD Vidhan Sabha candidate Khesari Lal Yadav stated that bans often exist solely on paper.

“Anything that is publicly prohibited continues to operate clandestinely. Thus, there’s no point in enforcing such bans,” he said, highlighting rising public skepticism.

Congress MLA Abhishek Ranjan, who openly called for a reassessment of the prohibition law earlier this week, reiterated that the truth would emerge if blood tests were conducted on MLAs, government officials, and police personnel.

“If blood tests were performed on MLAs, officials, and police, the truth regarding prohibition would be revealed. Home delivery of liquor is still accessible today,” Ranjan stated, urging the government to acknowledge its failures and reevaluate the policy.

His comments intensified the political climate within the Assembly.

Bihar’s SC/ST Welfare Minister Lakhindra Paswan sharply responded, expressing his readiness for a blood test but requested that Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav be tested first.

He also demanded that anyone with solid evidence of liquor consumption be named.

“We are open to an investigation. Conduct a test on Tejashwi Yadav first,” Paswan asserted while also supporting a review of the prohibition law.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Madhav Anand reiterated his call for a review of prohibition, indicating it has resulted in economic losses for the state and has not succeeded in curbing the illegal liquor trade.

“Total prohibition has failed. Home delivery persists, and we are always open for testing,” Anand stated, noting that while the law has been revised multiple times, consistent review is crucial.

Minister Ramkripal Yadav also volunteered for a blood test, maintaining that the prohibition law is effective and should be adhered to strictly.

Meanwhile, parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Choudhary argued that there is no need for a review of the current prohibition law, highlighting divisions even within the ruling party.

Bihar implemented total prohibition in 2016 to reduce alcohol consumption and enhance social indicators.

Despite numerous amendments to the law, illegal smuggling, home delivery, and fatalities from illicit liquor continue to be reported, raising significant questions about enforcement and efficacy.

With increasing dissent across party lines, calls for a structured review of the prohibition policy are gaining traction both inside and outside the Assembly.