Tej Pratap Yadav Critiques Nitish Kumar Amid Motihari Liquor Tragedy
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, April 8 (NationPress) In a pointed political critique, JJD National President Tej Pratap Yadav has lambasted the liquor prohibition strategy in Bihar, asserting that the ban has utterly failed after nearly a decade of enforcement.
His comments arise in light of the recent tragic spurious liquor incident in Motihari, where 11 fatalities have sparked serious doubts regarding the efficacy of the prohibition measures.
Tej Pratap charged that alcoholic beverages are still being sold openly throughout the state.
“There was much talk about prohibition, but the truth is that liquor is accessible at every corner, in every street and neighborhood. People are consuming alcohol everywhere—so where exactly is the ban?” he queried.
He further claimed that the rampant availability of illegal liquor has made the policy ineffective in practice.
Pointing fingers at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tej Pratap insinuated that the failure of the prohibition is one of the reasons for his political maneuvering towards Delhi.
“The liquor ban has failed—that is why Nitish Kumar is resigning and moving to Delhi,” he stated.
Alluding to recent hooch tragedies, Tej Pratap asserted that fake liquor is being covertly produced and distributed across Bihar.
“Toxic liquor is being secreted underground in pots, and even law enforcement is unable to uncover it. People are consuming it and losing their lives,” he expressed.
When asked about his previous backing for prohibition, Tej Pratap brushed it off as a bygone issue.
“That was in the past. Today, the reality is different—liquor is readily available everywhere,” he remarked.
These statements are poised to escalate the ongoing political debate surrounding Bihar’s prohibition policy, particularly as enforcement struggles and recent tragedies continue to attract public attention.
The hooch tragedy initiated in the East Champaran district on the evening of April 1 when villagers ingested spurious liquor. Deterioration in their health began on April 2, leading to their admission in various hospitals.
To date, 11 individuals have succumbed to this tragedy, while over 15 others are fighting for their lives in medical facilities. Six victims have permanently lost their eyesight due to this hooch incident.