Lawmakers lock horns over liquor delivery

Patna: RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh and JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar clashed during Question Hour in the Bihar legislative council on Thursday over allegations of liquor delivery despite prohibition.The exchange followed Singh’s claim a day earlier that liquor could be delivered even within the council campus. Responding in the House, Kumar said anyone claiming they could arrange liquor delivery could be sent to jail.The confrontation began during a discussion on overcrowding in state jails. RJD MLC Saurabh Kumar said pressure on prisons had eased after amendments to the prohibition law, under which first-time offenders can avoid imprisonment by paying a penalty.The debate escalated when Neeraj Kumar criticised Sunil Kumar Singh over the alleged claim regarding liquor delivery on the Vidhan Mandal premises. Both members accused each other’s parties of patronising those involved in the liquor trade.Deputy chairman Ramvachan Rai intervened and asked members to desist from arguing. Senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also objected, saying such discussion should not take place in the House.Later, during a call attention motion, members Khalid Anwar and Bhim Sahni raised issues faced by vehicle owners whose vehicles had been stolen and later seized after being used for liquor transportation. They said owners are required to pay 10% of the insured declared value, and other members also sought changes to the rule. Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said a committee had been formed and the policy could be amended if required.