‘Some People Have Turned Against Me’: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Defends Liquor Ban Ahead Of High-Level Meeting

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar claimed that the crime rate in the state has come down after the liquor ban

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New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday defended the liquor ban imposed in the state, saying that he continues to stand against liquor.

Bihar’s liquor ban recently garnered debate and questions as spurious alcohol led to a number of deaths in the state, emerging as a concerning issue.

Speaking on the matter, CM Nitish Kumar on Monday said: “Some people have turned against me because I ordered a liquor ban and I am serious about it. Those who are against it, feel bad. It is a different matter, they might have their own opinion. But we listened to the people - both men and women. I stand against liquor”.

“It is not as if the crime has increased (in the state). The crime figures have not increased. If something happens, action is taken. Administration and Police are active and action is being taken wherever something is happening,” he added, as quoted by news agency ANI.

The Bihar Chief Minister claimed that the crime rate in the state has come down after the liquor ban: “At some places, other incidents have occurred, an incident of Naxals have been reported from one location. It’s being probed. It's a different matter but the incidents of general crime have come down. I’d also like to add that the crime rate has come down after liquor ban”.

Previously, CM Nitish Kumar informed that the government has convened a high-level meeting over the liquor ban, the meeting will take place on November 16 i.e. tomorrow. This came as the death toll in Bihar due to the consumption of spurious alcohol reached 32.

One person in Muzaffarpur’s Kanti died due to consumption of spurious liquor on November 10, taking the total death toll to six in the district.

(With Agency Inputs)