Mumbai: Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday slammed the BJP for opposing the state government’s decision to sell liquor in supermarkets. The minister alleged that the saffron party government in Madhya Pradesh has allowed people to store large quantities of liquor at home.
Bhujbal said that the government’s move to allow the sale of liquor in supermarkets will definitely prove to be helpful for the farmers. The Maharashtra government had said last Thursday that the sale of liquor would be allowed in supermarkets in the state.
Minister of Silk Development Ministry Nawab Malik said that this decision was taken to promote fruit based liquor so that farmers can get additional income. Condemning this decision of selling liquor, the opposition party in the state said that the state government is promoting liquor.
Justifying the Maharashtra government’s decision, Bhujbal said, “In BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, the government has given permission to store liquor in large quantities at homes. The government also gave permission to open the bar.” The NCP leader said alcohol is widely considered a health drink across the world. Earlier in the day, social activist Anna Hazare said that it is unfortunate that the Maharashtra government has given priority to the sale of liquor for financial gains.
Hazare said the government’s job is to discourage drug and alcohol addiction among the people. Last week, the state government had said that supermarkets and shops larger than 1000 feet would be able to sell liquor on payment of license fee. However, the sale of alcohol is prohibited in supermarkets that have a prayer place or educational institution nearby. The supermarket will have to pay Rs 5000 as a percentage for the sale of liquor. (agency)