‘Toddy to be excluded from liquor law if GA forms govt’

Patna: Leader of the opposition in Bihar assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, reiterated on Sunday that the toddy would be exempt from the liquor law if the opposition Grand Alliance comes to power following this year's assembly elections. The toddy trade has traditionally been carried out by the Pasi community, which accounts for roughly 1% of Bihar's total population, according to the recent state caste survey. As a gesture of solidarity with the Pasi community, Tejashwi lifted the ‘labni' (a pot used to store toddy) onto his shoulder as he walked towards the dais.
Speaking at a rally in Patna organised by the Pasi community, who have relied on toddy tapping for their livelihood until its ban in April 2016 following the state's total prohibition, Tejashwi also pledged to withdraw all cases against the community if the opposition forms the next govt. He announced that toddy would be granted industry status in Bihar, a move he suggested would improve the economic condition of those dependent on the business.
"We appeal to you to stay united and vote for the Grand Alliance govt. If we form the govt in 2025, we will exclude toddy from the liquor law," Tejashwi said at the rally held at S K Memorial Hall. He described the toddy ban as a source of mental, physical and financial suffering for the Pasi community.
Recalling the events leading up to the total prohibition enforced in April 2016 under the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance govt, Tejashwi said they had repeatedly urged the CM to keep toddy outside the liquor law, to which he had promised to introduce neera processing. "Sadly, neera processing failed and Nitish later took another U-turn," Tejashwi said.
He also highlighted the overcrowding in Bihar's jails, where many poor and dalit people, unable to afford bail, remain incarcerated for violating liquor law. Tejashwi criticised the frequent raids targeting the Pasi community, accusing the govt and police of relentless harassment. He urged the community's support in creating a "new Bihar," adding, "All your worries will vanish quickly if we receive your blessings."