Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Claims Alcohol Readily Available in Prohibition State Bihar

Bhopal:

Controversy has erupted after Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi claimed that "liquor mafias rule Bihar" and alcohol can be delivered to homes with just a single phone call despite prohibition laws.

During a Facebook Live session on Sunday, Lodhi revealed that BJP leaders from Madhya Pradesh who had traveled to campaign for Bihar's assembly election informed him that alcohol delivery services operate freely despite the state's prohibition policy. Notably, Bihar is governed by the NDA alliance, which includes the BJP.

This unusual instance of a BJP minister criticizing his party's government in another state has delighted the opposition Congress.

Congress spokesperson Sangeet Sharma responded, "Mantri-ji, please update your information. Gujarat, which your party calls an ideal state, also has prohibition yet smuggling and home delivery are rampant. Is there a liquor mafia rule in Gujarat too, or do BJP's standards change from state to state?"

MP Congress President Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of double standards, stating, "While we aim to save the youth from addiction, the BJP government is setting a Rs17,000-crore revenue target from liquor, pushing the young generation into ruin."

During the same livestream, Lodhi sparked additional controversy by issuing a stern warning against those "tarnishing his or other public representatives' image."

"Anyone making false allegations will be arrested and beaten by the police. Action will be taken against anyone who does wrong," he declared.

This warning follows recent events involving YouTuber Raghavendra Rathore, who accused Lodhi and Animal Husbandry Minister Lakhan Rathore of collaborating with the liquor mafia during a public protest in Sangrampur village of Jabera constituency.

Following the minister's complaint, police arrested Raghavendra late Friday evening.

The YouTuber claimed he was beaten while in custody, though police medical examinations reportedly found "no signs of injury."

Raghavendra subsequently held a press conference reaffirming his allegations, accusing Minister Rathore of "using police power to silence dissent."