JD(U) neta urges CM to lift ban on toddy
Patna: CM
Nitish Kumar
was confronted with a bold demand to lift the ban on toddy during his visit to the JD(U) office on Monday with one party leader warning of electoral consequences if the matter is ignored.
Munna Chaudhary, who identifies as vice-president of JD(U)'s scheduled caste cell, told reporters that the CM directed party's state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha to look into the issue and submit a detailed report.
Munna urged Nitish to exclude toddy from the state's liquor prohibition law, arguing that it contains no liquor. "Toddy is not liquor. The Pasi community, which depends on toddy for livelihood, has suffered greatly since the blanket ban in 2016," he said.
He added that over 500 Pasis have died from falls while tapping toddy, yet victim families have not received any compensation. "Toddy is an integral part of our community's life and livelihood. The govt must pay attention to our plight," he said.
Nitish's impromptu visit to the party office surprised many and Munna seized the opportunity to hand over a letter outlining his demands.
The issue has gained political traction with RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav promising to lift the toddy ban if elected to power. NDA ally and HAM(S) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi has also repeatedly called for relaxation of prohibition laws.
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