Tejashwi Yadav Promises to Review Bihar's Liquor Ban if Mahagathbandhan Wins

Patna- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has pledged to revisit Bihar's controversial liquor prohibition law and restore pre-2016 provisions if the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) forms the next government. While addressing the contentious policy, he specifically mentioned that toddy (fermented palm sap) would be excluded from the ban, noting it provides livelihood for many residents. However, he did not explicitly state whether the entire liquor ban would be lifted.

Yadav sharply criticized the current prohibition policy, calling it a failure that has resulted in approximately 18 arrests every hour across Bihar. He cited over 2,000 deaths from toxic liquor consumption and significant economic losses to the state treasury as evidence of the policy's ineffectiveness.

"The Patna High Court has criticized the prohibition policy, noting that the law has strayed from its original purpose and is being misused by police for harassment," Yadav stated. He also pointed out that the government has failed to compensate families who lost members to spurious liquor.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has consistently defended the prohibition policy implemented in 2016, claiming it benefits women and families. Opposition parties argue that the ban has instead created a flourishing black market while becoming an instrument for police misconduct. The liquor ban consistently emerges as a prominent election issue in Bihar's Assembly elections.

Amid growing tensions within the Mahagathbandhan alliance, Yadav responded firmly to Congress' assertion that Rahul Gandhi would determine the Chief Minister candidate after elections. "Neither I nor they will decide the CM. The people of Bihar will decide," Yadav declared.

Congress leaders have recently suggested they might contest elections independently, creating friction within the alliance. The RJD currently holds dominant position in the Grand Alliance while Congress pushes for expanded influence, potentially complicating negotiations and weakening their unified stance against the BJP-JDU coalition.

If his party comes to power following the 2025 assembly election, Yadav also promised to establish a youth commission within one month and implement a domicile policy giving preference to Bihar residents in government jobs, emphasizing his commitment to creating employment opportunities in the state.