Patna. Amid nationwide discussion over the alleged incident involving a minor girl in Jamui, senior socialist leader Shivanand Tiwari has raised questions over Bihar’s prohibition policy. He called for reconsideration of the effectiveness of the liquor ban law and advocated that the government consider withdrawing the policy.

In his views shared on social media, Tiwari claimed that those arrested in connection with the Jamui case were allegedly found to have links with liquor smuggling. In this context, he raised the issue of an increase in the illegal liquor trade and the use of other intoxicating substances following the implementation of complete prohibition in Bihar.

He said complete prohibition was introduced in Bihar under the leadership of then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar following demands from women. According to Tiwari, the impact of the policy can also be assessed through revenue figures received by the Excise Department.

Referring to his previous political experience, Tiwari said he had handled the Excise Department in Rabri Devi’s cabinet. According to him, the government received around ₹319 crore in revenue from the Excise Department during Rabri Devi’s tenure. He said that after subsequent changes in excise policy, the amount increased to around ₹3,500 crore.

Citing these figures, Tiwari said that during that period the availability of liquor had expanded significantly and alcohol had become more easily accessible to the general public. He also questioned the circumstances that emerged after prohibition and said networks involved in the illegal liquor trade had become stronger.

Tiwari’s statement comes at a time when police action against those accused in connection with the Jamui incident is continuing. His comments have once again brought Bihar’s prohibition policy and its impact into the political debate.