Congress leader welcomes liquor ban in MP

IANS April 1, 2025 113 views

Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh has welcomed Madhya Pradesh's liquor ban in 19 religious cities, including Ujjain and Omkareshwar. He cautioned that such bans often lead to illegal liquor trade involving officials and middlemen. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the move historic, citing religious significance and de-addiction efforts. The ban, effective from April 1, covers major pilgrimage sites like Mahakal Temple and Amarkantak.

"When such restrictions are imposed, some middlemen get involved in the illegal liquor business." – Jaivardhan Singh
Bhopal, April 1: Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh on Tuesday welcomed the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to ban liquor and bars in 19 religious cities, including Ujjain.

Key Points

1

Jaivardhan Singh backs liquor ban in MP religious sites

2

Warns of illegal trade nexus with officials

3

Ban covers Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and 17 other cities

4

CM Mohan Yadav calls it a historic de-addiction step

Jaivardhan (39), who is the son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, said that the government has taken the much-needed step to make religious sites alcohol-free. However, he also pointed out that ordering the ban won't be enough.

Raghogarh MLA, who was also the minister in Kamal Nath-led Congress government, cautioned that wherever such restrictions were imposed (in different states), illegal liquor business has also flourished; therefore, ordering the ban won't be sufficient.

"When such restrictions are imposed, some middlemen get involved in the illegal liquor business. The illegal liquor business is operated through a nexus of government officials and middlemen. I would suggest that the government should keep a close watch on such people," Jaivardhan told IANS.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has imposed a ban on liquor in 19 religious cities and areas under select gram panchayats in Madhya Pradesh, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Maihar.

The liquor ban comes into effect from April 1.

Initially, the decision was taken in January this year, and a proposal in this regard was also approved by the Cabinet.

According to the government order, all liquor shops and bars will be closed down in the urban limits of Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur and Amarkantak and in gram panchayat limits of Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd and Linga.

While announcing the ban, Chief Minister Yadav said that his government has taken a historic step towards de-addiction and cited 'public faith and religious reverence' associated with these cities and rural areas as reasons for the move.

"The religious places where the liquor ban will take effect from April 1 are spread across one municipal corporation, half a dozen municipal councils and an equal number of village panchayats," said the Chief Minister.

Ujjain houses the famous Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Amarkantak is the origin of the Holy river Narmada, which is considered the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.

Tags:
Jaivardhan Singh MP liquor ban Mohan Yadav Ujjain Congress Digvijaya Singh
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