‘Liquor A Call Away’: MP BJP Leader Alleges ‘Liquor Mafias Control Bihar’, Congress Criticises BJP Hypocrisy

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi on Sunday sparked a fresh controversy, claiming that “liquor mafias control Bihar” and that alcohol can be delivered to people’s homes in the state “with just one phone call.”

Speaking during a Facebook live session on Sunday, Lodhi said that BJP leaders from Madhya Pradesh who had gone to Bihar for the assembly election campaign told him that liquor can be procured with just a phone call despite the prohibition. He further noted that Bihar is also governed by the NDA.

The remark, coming from a BJP minister targeting his party’s own government in another state, has brought cheers to the opposition, with Congress welcoming the move.

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Reacting to Lodhi’s remark, Congress spokesperson Sangeeta Sharma said, “Mantri-ji, please update your information. Gujarat, which your party calls an ideal state, also has prohibition yet smuggling and home delivery are rampant. Is there a liquor mafia rule in Gujarat too, or do the BJP's standards change from state to state?” NDTV reported.

MP Congress President Jitu Pawari hit out at the BJP, saying, “While we aim to save the youth from addiction, the BJP government is setting a Rs17,000-crore revenue target from liquor, pushing the young generation into ruin.”

Lodhi Issues Stern Warning In Facebook Live

During the same Facebook live session, Lodhi triggered another controversy, warning those attempting to “damage his or fellow leaders’ reputation.”

“Anyone making false allegations will be arrested and beaten by the police. Action will be taken against anyone who does wrong,” Lodhi said.

The warning came just days after YouTuber Raghavendra Rathore accused Lodhi and Animal Husbandry Minister Lakhan Rathore of collaborating with the liquor mafia. In response to allegations, the minister filed a police complaint, leading to Rathore’s arrest late Friday evening.

Rathore alleged he was assaulted while in custody, but police medical examinations reportedly found no evidence of injuries.

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At a subsequent press briefing, Raghavendra doubled down on his claims, accusing Rathore of “misusing police powers to stifle opposition voices.”