Patna: In Bijaipur village of north Bihar, life looks quiet on a September afternoon. But locals say the real action begins after sunset—when liquor smugglers’ vehicles start crossing from the nearby Uttar Pradesh border. For young men collecting donations for Durga Puja, it also means more traffic—and more money.
Despite Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s liquor ban in place since 2016, alcohol is easily available in Bihar. People openly admit that those who drink still get caught sometimes, while those selling it make all the profits—smugglers, middlemen, and even corrupt officials. Many now see the ban as one of Nitish’s biggest blunders.
This discontent is what political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor, widely known as PK, is trying to tap into. Through his Jan Suraaj campaign, he has promised to scrap the liquor ban “within an hour” if he comes to power.
For many voters who don’t trust Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD but are also tired of Nitish Kumar, Kishor represents a fresh alternative—much like Nitish himself did in his early years. Kishor’s five-point agenda includes raising pensions and generating revenue through legal liquor sales, which he argues could have earned Bihar ₹20,000 crore instead of filling the pockets of mafias and corrupt officials.
While women initially supported the prohibition policy—hoping it would reduce domestic violence and household spending on liquor—many now say it has failed. Alcohol is still widely available, only more expensive and often unsafe. “Everyone knows the truth. Men are still drinking, only paying more for smuggled liquor,” says Meena Devi from Darbhanga.
Political observers note that Kishor has successfully put the liquor debate back on the table. His critics say he is playing on people’s desire to drink freely, while his supporters argue he is being realistic about Bihar’s ground reality.
“People are tired of fake bans. PK is the only one saying it openly. That’s why villagers are listening,” says Mangal Jha of Singhwara.
Whether this will translate into votes remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Kishor has made the liquor ban—once Nitish’s proud reform—into a hot election issue again.
