Toddy was never banned in Bihar according to 1991 guidelines: JD(U)

Patna,July 31: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday took a U-turn by lifting the ban on toddy sale and its consumption in the state. Millions of people in rural Bihar, locally call it 'tadi' and it is considered the poor man's beer. For ages, toddy has been a favourite of villagers as a natural drink from the palm tree.

According to an agency report, the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav was never in favour of banning toddy sale and consumption in the state. Following pressure from its ally RJD, Nitish Kumar has reportedly lifted the ban on its sale.

While favouring CM's, Neeraj Kumar, the JD(U) spokesperson told OneIndia, "Since 1991 guidelines on the sale and consumption of toddy is applicable in Bihar, we never banned it. The opposition is taking out this agenda to defame the move of Nitish Kumar government for prohibiting liquor consumption in the state. This is an amendment and opposition should support this move."

"There should not be any controversial issue, as there is only one rule that toddy should not be sold at public places in the state. As this issue is being raised by the opposition party in the house, then they should read the 1991 rule which was made by Lalu Prasad Yadav," Kumar said.

Recently Swami Agnivesh also joined the JD(U) with the motive to prohibit liquor ban all over the state.

Swami Agnivesh exclusively told OneIndia that "there is pressure by the main ally RJD and its Supremo and this might be the reason behind ban lifting."

"I personally want that all type of liquor including toddy should be banned and the 1991 rule needs to be overlooked by the alliance government together", he added.

Agnivesh also said, "Now will I will discuss this issue with Nitish Kumar as he is always against liquor sale in the state.

Earlier, the former chief minister of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav had declared toddy tax-free to help people engaged in the business, particularly the 'Pasi' caste.

In April this year, Bihar had imposed a total liquor ban in the state.

OneIndia News