New Delhi: A BJP MLA from Chhattisgarh has recommended encouraging the use of bhang and cannabis as alternatives to alcohol, stating that the ones addicted to these substances are less likely to commit crimes such as rape, murder, and dacoity, as reported by news agency PTI.
This statement by Dr. Krishnamurti Bandhi on Saturday prompted a dispute with the ruling Congress, which questioned how a public figure could promote addiction.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stated that if ganja is to be legalized in the country, the MLA must seek approval from the BJP-led Central Government.
"...When central agencies are roaming in Mumbai to seize 10-gram ganja, its (BJP) senior leader is saying ganja should be consumed. Ganja is banned and he should first demand its government at the Centre to allow it (if he wants its consumption). See, addiction in any form is not good," the CM told PTI reporters at the airport in Raipur after returning from Delhi.
In response to a question about the Congress's poll promise of a liquor ban in Chhattisgarh, Bandhi told PTI reporters in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, "We have previously raised the issue in the state Assembly, and it will be raised again on July 27 as discussion on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition BJP (against the state government) is scheduled that day."
He also added that it is his personal opinion, and he had discussed it in the Assembly in the past about alcohol somewhere being the reason for rape, murder, and quarrel.
“… but I asked (in the House) tell me whether a person who consumes bhang has ever committed rape, murder, and dacoity?” Bandhi told PTI.
An MLA from Masturi Assembly Constituency has said that a committee has been constituted in the state to meet the addiction requirement and to ban liquor.
"The committee should think about how we can move ahead towards bhang and ganja (cannabis). If people want addiction, then they should be served such stuff which does not result in murder, rape, and other offences. It is my personal opinion." he said to the PTI.
Following suit with other leaders, Congress's Bilaspur district unit spokesperson Abhay Narayan Rai said, "The option to addiction cannot be an addiction. Such immature ideas are unacceptable in a civilized society."
As per reports, the sale and consumption of cannabis are prohibited by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, however, the sale and consumption of bhang, an edible concoction prepared from cannabis plant leaves, is tolerated.