Why is BJP stuck in dilemma on removing liquor ban in Bihar? These 10 big political and social reasons came to light

Since the reports of ending complete prohibition in Bihar and introducing regulated sale in its place, the politics of the state is at its peak. On one hand, economic think tanks and experts are continuously arguing that prohibition is causing huge loss of revenue and illegal smuggling is increasing, while on the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be avoiding taking any major decision openly on this sensitive issue. There is a strong discussion going on in the political circles as to why the government and especially the BJP are pulling back from this tough decision and what are the major social and political compulsions behind it.

Strong vote bank of women and fear of social security

The biggest political reason behind the decision of liquor ban is half of the state’s population i.e. women voters. When complete prohibition was implemented in 2016, it was seen as a major masterstroke in empowering women and preventing cases of domestic violence against them. The BJP and NDA alliance knows very well that if this law is removed, the anger of women can directly erupt against the government, which can prove to be the biggest loss for any political party in the upcoming elections. This is why any party is reluctant to take the risk of angering this strong and united vote bank of women.

Administrative challenges and political threat of opposition attacks

Not only social reasons but also huge administrative and political challenges are coming in the way of lifting the prohibition. If the government rolls back prohibition, the main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other parties will not waste time in capitalizing on it as a failure of the government and a decline in morality. Apart from this, the long process of cracking down on the mafia network and police-administrative nexus related to the black trade of illicit liquor is also a big question. Due to all these 10 major reasons, the BJP and NDA leadership are currently taking slow steps and there is a situation of confusion on this sensitive policy decision.