As Madhya Pradesh makes alcohol cheaper, former CM Uma Bharti up in arms against state govt

Uma Bharti questioned why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is making alcohol cheaper when the party in Chhattisgarh and Delhi are out on the road in protest against similar liquor policies.

Alcohol will now be cheaper in Madhya Pradesh as a new liquor policy comes into effect from today. However, the state’s move has been met with sharp criticism from former Chief Minister Uma Bharti, who has been quite vocal in seeking a ban on liquor sales and consumption in the state.

With the price slash - a first in almost a decade, Madhya Pradesh hopes to prevent smuggling from neighbouring states and also bring down the sale of hooch, which has led to numerous deaths in the state in the past year. But the BJP leader is not convinced.

“Today we have implemented a new liquor policy in Madhya Pradesh. The new rules aim to ensure more alcohol is available to people and more liquor is served at liquor shops. The rules are being opposed by the women of the state,” Uma Bharti said in a series of tweets.

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She questioned why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is making alcohol cheaper when the party in Chhattisgarh and Delhi are out on the road in protest against similar liquor policies.

“I am with the women and daughters of Madhya Pradesh. I am also concerned for the sons who have become victims of alcohol abuse. I am ashamed that we are earning revenue by playing on their honor and life,” Bharti tweeted, reminding people that “Chaitra Navratri begins tomorrow”.

Last month, Bharti walked into a liquor store in the state and hurled rocks at the bottles of alcohol, claiming that the shop was creating trouble for women in the locality. The video was shared multiple times on social media.