In a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s flagship liquor prohibition policy, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has accused the state government of double standards. Speaking in Gaya, Manjhi highlighted how petty drinkers face brutal crackdowns while large-scale liquor mafias operate with impunity.
Manjhi pointed out that despite multiple reviews of the ban, promises to spare those carrying small quantities like a ‘pouaa’ have been blatantly ignored. ‘Police are harassing small-time consumers, but letting go of trucks loaded with thousands of liters after taking bribes,’ he fumed. The central minister revealed that home delivery of liquor has become rampant, undermining the very purpose of the 2016 prohibition law.
The criticism comes on the heels of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand’s recent demand in the assembly for a comprehensive review of the policy after nearly a decade. Anand had praised Nitish’s courage but questioned its effectiveness amid ongoing illegal trade.
Manjhi didn’t stop at enforcement failures. He underscored the massive economic drain, with expensive liquor from neighboring states siphoning off Bihar’s money. ‘The government is losing crores in revenue, and the public is suffering from high-priced black market booze,’ he stated. This policy, once hailed as a social reform, now stands accused of benefiting criminals while punishing the common man.
As political debates intensify ahead of elections, Manjhi’s remarks signal growing discontent within the NDA alliance. Will Nitish Kumar order the much-needed review, or will the ban continue to bleed the state dry? The answer could reshape Bihar’s political landscape.