Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 5: Congress MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi on Tuesday raised alarms over the unchecked sale of liquor through ration shops in rural Karnataka, calling it a severe threat to society. He pressed the Congress-led government for immediate action to curb the growing problem.

During a heated Zero Hour discussion in the Legislative Assembly, Koujalagi highlighted the plight of rural families. "Mothers in villages are desperate for help. The illegal liquor trade is turning students into alcoholics, and accidents are claiming young lives," he said. He demanded the government enforce existing laws to halt liquor sales in small village shops.

JD(S) MLA C B Suresh Babu pointed out that aggressive sales targets imposed on liquor license holders were driving them to push alcohol sales by any means necessary, including home and field deliveries.

BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra suggested legalising liquor sales at all ration shops to boost revenue, a proposal Speaker U T Khader swiftly dismissed, urging practical solutions instead. Jnanendra also alleged that illegal liquor sales in SC-ST colonies had led to high mortality rates among men aged 35-40.

Congress MLA S N Narayanaswamy from Bangarpet pushed back, questioning why only SC-ST communities were being singled out. He challenged Jnanendra to address alcohol addiction across all communities and take a personal stand against drinking.

Excise minister R B Thimmapura revealed that over 3,000 cases had been registered in the Belagavi division alone. He outlined ongoing efforts, including village-level meetings, strict enforcement, and awareness programs in schools and villages.

Speaker Khader advised reducing sales targets for liquor license holders to ease pressure and avoid unintended consequences, as the assembly concluded the discussion.