While the BJP is aware that ending prohibition could significantly boost state revenues, it is unlikely to take that step, given the potential backlash from Nitish Kumar.
Bihar Liquor Ban Under Review: Bihar’s decade-old liquor ban is back in the political spotlight after a recent study recommended ending complete prohibition in the state.
A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has suggested lifting the ban and bringing back regulated liquor sales with excise taxes. It said the move could increase Bihar’s state revenue by around 14-15%.
The study also pointed to the growth of illegal liquor trade and the use of alternative intoxicants despite the ban. It said prohibition has created major enforcement challenges and has not fully achieved its key objective of reducing crimes against women.
The report has triggered a political debate in Patna. The RJD has used the findings to target the government, while NDA allies have backed stricter enforcement rather than ending the ban.
JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur, however, has called for a review of the policy, saying liquor prohibition has not succeeded anywhere.
For the BJP, the issue is politically sensitive. While the party is aware of the potential revenue gains from lifting the ban, any change could upset former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who introduced prohibition in Bihar in 2016.
For now, the government appears unlikely to make an immediate change to the liquor policy.