Prohibition Politics: RJD and JD(U) Exchange Barbs Over Bihar Liquor Ban

Bihar's opposition party RJD and ruling JD(U) sparred over the state’s problematic prohibition law after a hooch tragedy claimed 40 lives. Both parties, previously allies, blamed each other for the rampant illicit liquor trade, with heated exchanges highlighting the political tension amid ongoing liquor ban issues.

Bihar's political climate has heated up as the state's main opposition party, the RJD, and the ruling JD(U), indulge in a bitter squabble over the implementation of the prohibition law. This confrontation follows a recent hooch tragedy that resulted in the tragic death of nearly 40 individuals across three districts.

The opposition party's spokesman, Shakti Yadav, held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party responsible for failing to curb the illicit liquor trade. Yadav's pointed criticism highlighted the challenges faced by Bihar's prohibition, especially given the state witnessed the complete ban on liquor in April 2016, a promise made by the Chief Minister.

The JD(U) did not hold back, with spokesman Neeraj Kumar countering RJD's accusations, branding them a 'national poisonous party'. This exchange underscores the escalating tensions, as authorities plan to take decisive action against those involved in the illegal alcohol trade by invoking the stringent Crime Control Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)