Bhopal 9 September : Former Union Minister Uma Bharti, who has been vocal about the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government’s excise policy and took a surprising u-turn on Friday regarding the issue of the liquor policy.In a press conference in her home in Bhopal’s Shyamla Hills area, Bharti declared that a complete ban on alcohol will not be feasible however it shouldn’t be a part of the revenue-generation plan of the state government.
Bharti stated that even though she would be in favour of a total ban in Madhya Pradesh, it isn’t possible.
Bharti said that the state government needs to develop an updated liquor policy for next year, which should be formulated in collaboration with the public’s views.
“I have never suggested putting an absolute ban on the selling of liquor.I have spoken with (Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhan and advised him to formulate the new policy on liquor for the coming year, considering the opinions of all segments of the society, particularly women.
women since women are the most affected by issues relating to liquor,” she said.
The previous Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister defended the state government on the subject of liquor, saying that the liquor policy of the state is different from the one of Delhi state government’s tax policy.
“At the very least I haven’t observed any sort of financial irregularities or corruption in Madhya Pradesh government’s excise policy,” Bharti said.
She said that the Centre isn’t able to formulate an excise uniform policy because the issue falls under the authority of the states’ governments.
However, Madhya Pradesh should make a unique policy that other states can follow.
But, Bharti said she would continue to struggle against the usage of alcohol and drugs across the state, and on the day of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), she would hold a peaceful protest to highlight this issue.
In the last 6 months, Bharti has been taking on Chouhan regarding the liquor policy.She even warned that the BJP would be slapped with the public’s ire should her voice not be heard.
Some of months ago, she had even pelted stones into a liquor store in Bhopal and also protested in front of a wine shop until police shut the shop.
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