Liquor ban in Bihar will Be scrapped: Prashant Kishor's bold promise, if elected

On Saturday, Prashant Kishor, the former poll strategist turned politician, made a bold promise regarding Bihar's liquor ban. Speaking to the media, Kishor vowed that if his party, Jan Suraj, wins the upcoming state elections, he would dismantle the current liquor prohibition within one hour of taking office. “There is no need for any special preparation for the 2nd. We have been preparing for the last two years... If the Jan Suraj government is formed, we will end the liquor ban within one hour,” Kishor declared. He criticised the existing prohibition as “the most fake one,” pointing out that the state loses nearly ₹20,000 crore annually due to the ban, while illegal trade continues unabated.

Kishor’s stance on prohibition and women’s vote bank

Kishor’s critique of the prohibition policy, implemented in 2016 under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlights its failures, including the rise in deaths and methanol-induced blindness due to spurious liquor. Despite the ban being introduced following widespread protests by women demanding a total liquor ban, Kishor remains resolute in his opposition. “Whether I get the vote of women or not, I will continue speaking against the liquor ban since it is not in the interest of Bihar,” he asserted, signalling his commitment to overturning the policy regardless of its impact on his electoral prospects.

Criticism of Bihar's political leaders

In addition to his stance on the liquor ban, Kishor took a critical view of Bihar's political landscape, specifically targeting leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar. Commenting on the ongoing political conflict between them, Kishor said, “This issue is between Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav, and it doesn't matter who apologised with folded hands to whom; both have caused damage to Bihar. The people of Bihar have witnessed both of them for 30 years. We are urging them both to leave Bihar.” Kishor’s remarks reflect his broader critique of the state's leadership and his call for fresh political leadership.