Patna, Dec 20 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has slammed Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha for his remarks against the liquor ban in the state.Manjhi had openly advocated that poor people should consume liquor after 10 p.m.and stay at home like IAS-IPS officers, doctors, engineers and other such people.
On Monday after the Janata Darbar, when asked by media persons to clear his stand on Jitan Ram Manjhi, Nitish Kumar said: “Those who are making statements against the liquor ban should know that they gained public support because of this.We had imposed a liquor ban following public opinion.Hence, he should avoid giving statements that promote liquor consumption in Bihar.”
Nitish Kumar did not say what action he is going to take against Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Manjhi had also demanded that the Nitish Kumar government adopt the Gujarat model of liquor ban in Bihar.
The Gujarat model of liquor ban was first put in perspective by the president of the Bihar Chambers of Commerce and Industry P.K.Agrawal during a traders meeting a month ago.Agrawal pointed out that due to the liquor ban in Bihar, national or international seminars or events related to trade and business cannot be organised.It is affecting the business here.
He had also advocated the implementation of the Gujarat model of liquor ban where the state government gives permission for liquor for guests coming for such events.Nitish Kumar, on liquor prohibition day about a month ago, had said that those who give statements against the liquor ban or promote consumption of liquor would be liable to face legal action.
The Bihar government had also organised an event on that day where every government official and legislator were asked to take oath that they will not consume liquor.Kumar had also directed the authorities to take action against Agrawal.ajk/skp/bg
Nitish Kumar criticizes Manjhi over comments about liquor ban
President of Bihar Chambers of Commerce and Industry P.K.first proposed the Gujarat model of liquor prohibition.Agrawal at a trader meeting one month ago. Agrawal stated that because of the liquor ban in Bihar it is impossible to organize national seminars and events related to business or trade.This is impacting the local business.
He also supported the Gujarat model for liquor ban, where guests attending such events are allowed to drink alcohol by the state government.
Nitish Kumar had stated that anyone who makes statements in support of the prohibition on alcohol consumption or encourages it would face criminal prosecution.Bihar’s government also organized an event where all legislators and government officials were required to swear that they would not consume alcohol.Kumar also instructed the authorities to pursue Agrawal.
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