Tej Pratap Yadav Calls Bihar’s Prohibition a Complete Failure
Tej Pratap Yadav, the former Bihar minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader, has launched a sharp attack on the state’s liquor ban, claiming it has failed entirely. Speaking to reporters in Patna, he said that alcohol is now available openly across every street, market, and intersection, making a mockery of the government’s much-publicized prohibition policy.
Yadav questioned the effectiveness of the ban, stating that despite all the rhetoric and political posturing around prohibition, the ground reality tells a different story. He alleged that liquor is not only easily accessible in every corner of Bihar but is also being delivered to people’s doorsteps through home delivery services. This, he argued, proves that the ban exists only on paper and has done little to curb consumption.
Open Drinking in Upscale Patna Neighborhoods
The RJD leader went a step further, pointing to the state capital’s affluent localities as evidence of the ban’s failure. He claimed that in Patna’s upscale Boring Road area, women can be seen openly smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol, while men stand around watching. According to Yadav, this is a clear sign that prohibition has not changed public behavior and that both men and women across Bihar are consuming liquor without any fear of consequences.
His remarks come at a time when the state government continues to defend its liquor policy, which was introduced in 2016 with the stated aim of improving social conditions and reducing addiction-related harm. However, critics have repeatedly pointed out that the ban has led to a thriving black market, corruption, and an increase in spurious liquor deaths.
Dig at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Delhi Visit
Yadav also took the opportunity to take a swipe at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his recent trip to the national capital. He suggested that Kumar had long planned the visit and hinted that he knows the real reason behind it, though he declined to elaborate. Yadav remarked that whether the Chief Minister goes to Delhi or even to the moon, it makes little difference to the people of Bihar, who are more concerned about governance and development issues at home.
He urged the Chief Minister to focus on the state’s pressing problems instead of spending time on political maneuvering in Delhi. The comments reflect the ongoing political friction between the ruling JD(U) and opposition parties in Bihar, with Yadav frequently using public platforms to criticize the administration.
Advice for Younger Brother Tejashwi Yadav
In an unexpected turn, Tej Pratap Yadav also directed some advice toward his younger brother and Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav. Without naming any specific incident, he urged Tejashwi to be more careful with his public statements. He stressed that people should think positively about Bihar and avoid making comments that could be perceived as negative or demeaning toward the state.
Yadav emphasized that Bihar is not a poor state in spirit, even if economic indicators suggest otherwise. He described the youth of Bihar as “rich at heart” and said such qualities should be highlighted rather than undermined by careless remarks. He added that since Tejashwi is his younger brother, offering this guidance comes from a place of care and responsibility.
The remarks add another layer to the often-complicated relationship between the two Yadav brothers, who have had public differences in the past. While they belong to the same party and family, their occasional public disagreements have been a subject of media scrutiny and political speculation.
Growing Criticism of Prohibition
Tej Pratap Yadav’s statements reflect a broader wave of criticism against Bihar’s liquor ban, which has been a defining policy of the Nitish Kumar government. While the ban was initially popular, especially among women’s groups and social reformers, its implementation has faced numerous challenges. Reports of illegal brewing, police corruption, and the continued availability of alcohol through clandestine channels have fueled doubts about its effectiveness.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly called for either a complete withdrawal of the ban or a more pragmatic approach, such as allowing licensed sale in regulated quantities. However, the state government has remained firm, insisting that the ban has brought social benefits and reduced alcohol-related violence and accidents.
As the debate continues, Yadav’s comments add to the growing chorus of voices questioning whether prohibition has truly delivered on its promises or merely pushed the problem underground.
