Make abolition of prohibition RJD’s poll plank: JD(U) to Tejashwi

PATNA: JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjn Singh alias Lalan Singh on Thursday dared leader of opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav to include abolition of prohibition in the election manifesto of the RJD.
Reacting to Tejashwi’s charges against the state government, Singh said, “If Tejashwi is so vocal about prohibition in the state, he should include abolition of prohibition in his party’s election manifesto.”
The Munger MP, however, reiterated that prohibition would continue in the state.“The government is serious about the effective implementation of prohibition law in Bihar. Adequate measures are being taken for this purpose,” he added.
Referring to opposition’s remarks over appointment of senior IAS officer K K Pathak as additional chief secretary in prohibition, excise and registration department, the JD(U) national chief said, “It’s the prerogative of the state government to appoint officials. Will the state government now seek suggestion from Tejashwi before posting officers? It’s none of his business.”
He clarified that Pathak was posted as excise commissioner when the draft for prohibition in the state was prepared in 2016.
Tejashwi had earlier alleged that smuggling of liquor continued in dry state with the tacit support of the senior officials of the state government. He also alleged that the purpose of prohibition has been defeated with unabated bootlegging.
Meanwhile, HAM(S) headed by former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi has decided to convene next national working committee meeting at Valmikinagar in West Champaran on December 16 to discuss various issues, including effective implementation of prohibition in the state.
HAM(S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan said besides the party’s national chief, the minister for SC/ST welfare department, Santosh Kumar Suman, and executive committee members of other states would attend the meeting.