'Even Found At My Residence': Jitan Manjhi Slams Liquor Ban Implementation In Bihar, Accuses Officials Of Biased Action

Bihar News: Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has reiterated that while the decision to ban liquor in Bihar was visionary, the implementation has not been up to the mark. The former Bihar chief minister stated that most of the cases have been filed against the people of marginalised communities, further questioning the execution of the rules. Manjhi further stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar banned the liquor in 2016 to maintain the law and order, but some of the "corrupt" bureaucrats have let him down. Earlier last week, Manjhi stated that the consumption of liquor is neither good for health nor society.

While talking to the reporters, Manjhi stated that a large quantity of liquor was found at his residence in Khirajsarai; however, he asserted that his family had not visited the house for the past several months. The union minister claimed that some of the locals have been active in the liquor business. Manjhi further claimed that the "liquor mafias" also contested the recently concluded Bihar Assembly polls.

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Earlier last week, Manjhi praised the ban by stating that his family witnessed a significant growth after his father left the liquor business. "Prohibition is great. We cannot conceive of a better law. I am myself a living example of the benefits of shunning liquor. My father used to deal in intoxicants made out of the mahua fruit. He gave up the business at my insistence, which helped me complete my education and see where I have reached today," Majhi was quoted as saying by the New Indian Express.

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"But, I have always maintained that implementation has not been up to the mark. There is a nexus between bureaucrats and bootleggers, which is giving 'sharab bandi' a bad name. That must be addressed," the Gaya MP added. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the liquor ban in 2016 to curb the cases of domestic violence and maintain the law and order.