Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has ruled out any move to lift the state’s liquor ban, putting an end to speculation over a possible change in the prohibition policy following Nitish Kumar’s exit as chief minister. In an interview with ABP News, Choudhary said the government has no plans to withdraw prohibition in Bihar.
Choudhary defended the liquor ban, saying it has brought positive changes in the state. According to the chief minister, a significant section of Bihar’s population is satisfied with prohibition and the crime rate has also declined since the ban was introduced. His remarks reaffirm the government’s position on continuing Bihar’s prohibition policy.
The chief minister’s comments come amid renewed political discussion over the future of Bihar’s liquor prohibition law. Speculation had intensified after the change in political leadership, with questions being raised about whether the new government would reconsider the state’s long-standing ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Choudhary also spoke about the BJP’s defeat in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, saying that the people’s verdict is the ultimate authority in a democracy and must be respected. He said the 2025 election mandate was clearly in favour of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and that the government would continue working as an alliance to take Bihar forward.
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Responding to criticism from RJD leaders Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav that the Bankipur result represented his personal defeat, Choudhary said the BJP had given an opportunity to one of its party workers to contest the election. He acknowledged the defeat while maintaining that the party would continue providing opportunities to its grassroots workers.
The chief minister also spoke about Bihar’s development priorities and appealed to people from the state living outside Bihar to return and contribute to its growth. He said the government would present an account of its performance in 2030 and fulfil the promises made during the elections.
Choudhary further emphasised the importance of Bihar’s youth and said the state would continue focusing on their aspirations and concerns. His latest remarks make it clear that, despite speculation following the change in leadership, Bihar’s liquor ban is set to continue, with no immediate proposal to restore legal liquor sales in the state.
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