Divided on prohibition

It looks like the whole idea of prohibition and the way it is being implemented in Bihar are causing much grief and heartache within the ruling Grand Alliance in the state.

The Janata Dal (United) proposes to provide fresh thrust to existing anti-prohibition laws by putting the onus on all adult family members of an alleged offender as well as neighbours, who fail to report the consumption or sale of liquor.

Some Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders say that if implemented, this would impose "police raj" on ordinary citizens.