No move to impose prohibition in Maharashtra: Excise minister

Maharashtra Excise and Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse on Friday denied any move on part of the BJP-led government to impose prohibition in the entire state.

"We need to get public opinion on any such proposal, only after which the government must take the initiative. As of now, there is no such plan, at least for the next three months," Khadse said.

He was referring to media reports quoting officials as saying that the Devendra Fadnavis government was contemplating prohibition in the wake of similar announcement by the Bihar government.

Minister of State for Excise Dilip Kamble also denied any such proposal but said strict orders have been issued to curb production and sale of illicit liquor in Maharashtra.

Prohibition is already in force in at least three districts of Wardha, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, while demands have been made for the inclusion of Yavatmal and Buldhana districts as well.

Indo-Asian News Service

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