Enforce a complete liquor ban across India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

Kumar says people across religions want a complete ban on sale and consumption of liquor

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called for a complete prohibition of liquor across the country, while saying that it would lead the whole nation to the path of development and progress.

Asserting that people from all religions - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians - unanimously wanted prohibition, he urged to prohibit alcohol to ensure development of India.

"Every religion supports liquor ban and that is why it needs to be banned across the country. For the development and progress of the country and to rise above the atmosphere of clashes and conflicts, there must be total all-India prohibition on liquor," the Janata Dal (United) chief said, while addressing party workers here on Saturday marking JD(U) foray into the Maharashtra politics.

A complete ban was imposed on liquor in Bihar from April 1, 2016.

Kumar earlier asserted that a citizen of Bihar was never a burden on anyone, instead he had always striven for productivity.

"Biharis are never a burden on anyone. In fact, they (Bihar citizens) give employment to others. This gives me a great feeling of happiness and satisfaction," Nitish said at the rally.

Prominent JD(U) leaders from Bihar and other states were present at the rally to mark the formal launch of the party in Maharashtra.

Last month, MLC Kapil Patil of the Lok Bharti Party joined the JD(U) after merging his party with the former, making the way for the party to set up base in the state after Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala.