Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, Sep 12: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s prohibition policy, which has long been projected as one of his key political achievements, is facing renewed criticism — not only from the opposition but also from allies within the NDA.

Former chief minister and Hindustan Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has publicly suggested that liquor sale in small quantities should be allowed, while cases filed against such consumers must be withdrawn before the elections. He alleged that prohibition officials were sparing liquor mafias while targeting the poor for drinking in limited amounts.

“Police catch people consuming small quantities of liquor, but there is no strong action against those making and smuggling thousands of litres. Even Nitish Kumar had earlier said that those carrying small amounts should not be arrested,” Manjhi told reporters.

The statement has put Nitish Kumar in a difficult spot as the state heads to polls. The prohibition law, once credited for winning him support, has increasingly drawn criticism from rivals and social groups who claim it disproportionately affects the poor.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had earlier slammed the law, calling it a tool for police exploitation of Dalits, OBCs, and tribals, while accusing the administration of running an extortion racket in the name of prohibition enforcement.

Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has also promised to scrap the law “within an hour” if his party, Jan Suraaj, comes to power. Chirag Paswan of LJP (Ram Vilas) too has questioned the policy, arguing that natural toddy should not be categorized as liquor.

The BJP, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the controversy, with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary clarifying that the decision to impose prohibition was taken when JD-U and RJD were in alliance, and the BJP had no role in framing the law.