Dry Day In Maharashtra On Jan 22? BJP MLA's Proposal For One-Day Ban On Alcohol & Meat

Ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Wednesday made an appeal to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, urging for a one-day ban on alcohol and meat across the entire state.

Comparing January 22nd to the sacredness of Diwali, he emphasized its significance for devotees of Lord Ram, stressing the importance of observing a ban on these items throughout the state. Additionally, he requested the Maharashtra government to appeal to the central government for a nationwide ban on alcohol and meat on that particular day.

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government declared the entire 84-Kosi Parikrama area near the temple grounds as a 'no liquor zone.' State Excise Minister Nitin Agrawal confirmed the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, and mentioned the removal or relocation of wine shops from the designated area.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that January 22 would be observed as a "dry day" in light of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He highlighted the symbolism of the event, drawing parallels with the state's commitment to good governance, adding that Chhattisgarh has a special connection to Lord Ram as his maternal grandparents' place. The state is contributing to the ceremony by sending aromatic rice and vegetables from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya.

Historical accounts suggest Lord Ram's traversing through various locations in Chhattisgarh during his 14-year exile from Ayodhya. Notably, Chandkhuri, a village near Raipur, is believed to be the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram's mother. The Mata Kaushalya temple in this village underwent significant renovation during the previous Congress government's tenure in the state.