Political Debate Rekindled in Bihar Over Liquor Ban: Will NDA Allies Sway Nitish Kumar?

Patna, Bihar: The issue of Bihar’s liquor ban has once again sparked political debate, and this time the voices of dissent are coming from within the ruling coalition itself. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a tricky situation as his own allies are now pushing for a review, raising questions about the future of prohibition in the state.

Social Impact vs. Economic Concerns

Nitish Kumar has consistently defended the liquor ban, emphasizing social reform and women’s safety over potential revenue loss. According to government data and police records, cases related to domestic violence and family disputes have reportedly decreased by 12–18% since the ban was implemented. The state claims that prohibition has also helped curb poverty and reduced the harmful effects of alcohol on households.

Coalition Allies Speak Out

Three NDA allies, however, are united in their criticism. They argue that the ban imposes an economic burden and is prone to misuse by authorities.

• Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi has claimed that the liquor ban disproportionately affects the Musahar community. “Due to poverty and lack of education, many Musahar people are involved in the illegal production of country liquor. Official records show that around 1.6 million people have been arrested under the liquor ban. Most arrests involve marginalized communities like Musahar, Beldar, Bind, and Manjhi, while large traffickers remain untouched,” he said.
• Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has advocated for controlled and limited legal alcohol sales. He argued that despite the ban, liquor is still widely available at inflated prices, creating a parallel economy. He highlighted that the lack of regulation in illicit liquor production has led to poisoning and deaths, particularly in poorer communities.
• National Lok Morcha (Rashtriya) legislator Anand from Madhubani also emphasized awareness campaigns over strict prohibition. “Raising public awareness about the dangers of alcohol is more effective than banning it outright. While the law is a cabinet prerogative, it is evident that the state is losing significant revenue due to the ban,” he stated.

The Road Ahead

The renewed calls from Nitish Kumar’s allies for a review of Bihar’s liquor ban have added a new dimension to the ongoing political debate. While social reform and safety remain key arguments in favor of prohibition, economic realities and community grievances are forcing the state leadership to reconsider the law’s future.