‘DO YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING A DRING?’ CHAIRMAN AWADESH NARAIN SINGH

‘DO YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING A DRING?’ CHAIRMAN AWADESH NARAIN SINGH

15-MARCH-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------Awadhesh Narain Singh, Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, asserted that the liquor ban is justified and that alcohol is a poison; he clarified that a "review" of the policy does not imply its repeal, but rather focuses on ensuring its proper implementation.

The complete prohibition on liquor, which has been in force in Bihar for years, has once again become a subject of intense discussion. During the recently concluded Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, opposition members raised questions regarding the ban, while leaders from certain constituent parties of the NDA also called for a review of the policy. Now, Awadhesh Narain Singh, Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, has captured everyone's attention with his statement on this issue.

While attending a private event in Arrah, journalists questioned him regarding the liquor ban. In response, the Chairman asked, "Let me ask you: is a liquor ban a bad thing? Our experience shows that people used to stumble around in a drunken stupor, and unnecessary altercations were frequent. At the very least, we have found relief from that now. Anyone who is intent on dying will find a way—they could simply consume poison. After all, alcohol itself is a form of poison. Therefore, the liquor ban is absolutely justified."

When asked about the fact that several members of the Legislative Assembly had demanded a review of the ban, he clarified that a "review" does not imply the abolition of the policy. Rather, it entails examining ways to ensure its proper and effective implementation. Citing the example of the liquor ban currently in force in Gujarat, he noted that there is no widespread opposition to the prohibition policy itself.

When journalists inquired whether liquor was still being sold openly, the Chairman replied, "Liquor is certainly not being sold openly anywhere. If you can tell me exactly where it is available, I will ensure that the culprits are apprehended by this evening. There may be instances of 'home delivery,' but such activities are taking place clandestinely—surreptitiously—not out in the open." He then added, "Do *you* feel like having a drink...?" This statement by the Chairman makes it clear that the liquor ban in Bihar is here to stay, though there remains a continuous need to focus on its effective enforcement and management.