Four people have died in Barh, a town in Patna district, after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor, reigniting a long-running debate over the effectiveness of Bihar's prohibition policy. The deaths, reported on 31 August, have drawn sharp political reaction, with the opposition demanding accountability from the state government.

Tejashwi Yadav's Demand for Inquiry

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the deaths as deeply unfortunate and called for a high-level investigation into the incident. He alleged that the administration had repeatedly failed to learn from similar past tragedies.

'The administration should clarify how this incident occurred and determine whether there was any administrative failure,' Tejashwi said. He further alleged that it is invariably the poor who bear the brunt of such incidents — some losing their lives while others face arrest.

A Recurring Crisis Under Prohibition

Bihar has maintained a total prohibition on alcohol since 2016, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar enforced the ban statewide. Despite the policy, suspected hooch tragedies have recurred across the state over the years. Critics argue the ban has driven liquor trade underground rather than eliminating it, making the illicit supply chain more dangerous and harder to regulate.

This is not the first time Barh or Patna district has featured in such reports. Opposition leaders contend that the pattern of deaths followed by arrests of small-time sellers — without accountability for systemic failures — has become a recurring cycle.

Broader Political Flashpoints

Beyond the liquor deaths, Tejashwi addressed several other political issues at what appeared to be a press interaction tied to an RJD organisational meeting. He said the meeting's primary objective was to strengthen the party's structure and chart upcoming programmes and expansion strategies.

Tejashwi also backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on alleged discrimination against Dalit and Mahadalit students in schools, where students from these communities were reportedly made to perform cleaning duties. 'Rahul Gandhi was right to raise the issue,' he said, asserting that practices associated with untouchability have no place in modern society.

He also referenced allegations surrounding a purported 'purification' ritual following an event attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Uttarakhand, reiterating his opposition to caste-based discrimination in any form.

On Cases Against Opposition Leaders

Responding to a case reportedly registered against Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi said it was common for legal cases to be filed against opposition figures who raised public interest issues. 'If a case is being registered, let it happen,' he said, adding that opposition leaders would continue to speak on issues affecting ordinary citizens.

What Comes Next

The Barh deaths are expected to intensify pressure on the Bihar government to demonstrate that its prohibition framework is yielding results beyond arrests of end-consumers. Opposition parties are likely to raise the issue in the state legislature. Whether the government orders an independent inquiry — as demanded by Tejashwi — remains to be seen.