BJP spreading lies on new liquor ban law: Bihar CM

Patna, Aug 2 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday accused the opposition BJP of spreading "lies and mis-information" about a new legislation to ensure a total ban on liquor in the state.

"BJP leaders have been spreading lies and mis-information about the new legislation on the liquor ban in the state," Nitish Kumar said in his reply to the debate in the Bihar Legislative Council over the new law for liquor ban.

Nitish Kumar said Bharatiya Janata Party leaders were saying just anything for their vested interests. "It is not only wrong but dangerous also," he said.

A day after the Bihar assembly passed a new Prohibition and Excise Bill, 2016, which has stringent provisions for ensuring a total liquor ban, Nitish Kumar questioned the BJP leaders' commitment towards the liquor ban.

"If the BJP leaders supported the state government's move in April for the liquor ban, why are they now restless in opposing the new legislation for its effective implementation."

The BJP had dubbed the new legislation a "black law" and a "draconian" measure. The party legislators introduced a series of amendments but all were defeated by a voice vote in the assembly during discussion.

Nitish Kumar said the new legislation was not draconian but framed after much deliberations to effectively implement the liquor ban in Bihar.

The Chief Minister said the new legislation was required to plug gaping holes in the previous Act that facilitated the liquor ban in the state with effect from April 1.