Patna: The NDA on Monday reacted sharply to RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s allegation that liquor prohibition policy in Bihar was a failure, which created an illegal parallel economy of Rs40,000 crore since its implementation in 2016.Tejashwi, in his post on X on Monday also asked, “Despite the arrest of 16 lakh people, most of them from poor family background, big suppliers and smugglers have not been held so far and no action has been taken against any senior police officer in this regard. Why does the govt not take action against those officials who seek to undermine the liquor ban through corruption?”Nine persons have died in East Champaran allegedly due to consumption of spurious liquor last week.Countering the leader of opposition in legislative assembly, BJP spokesperson Niraj Kumar said liquor ban was the voice of the mothers and sisters of Bihar. “Today, 10 years later, the RJD is siding with the liquor mafia by labelling that very policy a failure. Prior to the liquor ban — during RJD-Janata Dal govt — the number of liquor shops in rural areas surged from 500 to over 6,000! CM Nitish Kumar put an end to this practice at the insistence of the women, who assert that peace has returned to their homes,” he said.JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar alleged that Tejashwi’s opposition to liquor ban was but natural as his party received more than Rs46 crore in electoral bonds from liquor barons.Regarding the number of people arrested and liquor seized, the BJP leader claimed it as proof that the police are enforcing the law with strictness. “An 18% increase in seizures in 2026 signifies improved vigilance. The truth is that the ban has led to a decline in average liquor consumption. By breaking free from addiction, people are saving money and spending on their children; women feel safe. The govt is taking action against major suppliers as well,” he said.Countering Tejashwi’s allegation that the consumption of dry narcotics and other intoxicants has increased by 40%, Niraj said this is a national issue. “In Bihar, a dedicated campaign was launched to combat drug abuse. However, during the RJD era, Bihar was a hub for ganja (cannabis) and brown sugar,” he said.He said liquor ban is a social revolution in Bihar and if there are certain shortcomings, the govt will address them. “CM Nitish Kumar has fulfilled his promise to the women of the state, whereas the RJD is siding with the liquor mafia.Tejashwi alleged that more than 11 lakh cases had been registered under the prohibition law.
