Congress Politician Supports Liquor Ban in MP
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Synopsis
Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh has endorsed the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to enforce a liquor ban in 19 religious cities, including Ujjain. He emphasizes the need for vigilance against illegal alcohol trade while advocating for alcohol-free religious sites.
Key Takeaways
- Jaivardhan Singh supports liquor ban in MP.
- 19 religious cities, including Ujjain, affected.
- Illegal liquor may thrive despite the ban.
- Government urged to monitor illegal activities.
- Ban effective from April 1.
Bhopal, April 1 (NationPress) Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh expressed his support on Tuesday for the Madhya Pradesh government's initiative to prohibit liquor and bars in 19 religious cities, including Ujjain.
Jaivardhan, aged 39 and the son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, stated that this move is a crucial step towards ensuring that religious sites remain free from alcohol. Nevertheless, he emphasized that simply implementing the ban is insufficient.
The Raghogarh MLA, who previously served as a minister in the Kamal Nath-led Congress government, warned that in regions where similar prohibitions were enforced, illegal liquor operations have thrived; thus, a mere ban will not suffice.
“When such restrictions are enforced, certain intermediaries become involved in illegal liquor trades. This illicit activity often operates in collusion with government officials and middlemen. I recommend that the government maintain vigilant oversight regarding these individuals,” Jaivardhan told IANS.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has enacted a liquor ban in 19 religious cities and specific gram panchayat areas throughout Madhya Pradesh, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Maihar.
The ban took effect on April 1.
This decision was initially proposed in January of this year, and the Cabinet subsequently approved it.
As per the government order, all liquor establishments and bars will be shut down within the urban limits of Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Amarkantak, as well as in gram panchayat areas of Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd, and Linga.
While announcing the ban, Chief Minister Yadav referred to this as a historic measure aimed at promoting de-addiction and highlighted the 'public faith and religious reverence' linked to these regions as justification for the action.
“The locations where the liquor prohibition will commence on April 1 encompass one municipal corporation, several municipal councils, and an equal number of village panchayats,” the Chief Minister noted.
Ujjain is home to the renowned Mahakal temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Amarkantak is the source of the Holy River Narmada, revered as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.
