Wait for Elections: Prasad on Tejashwi’s Todd Law Change in Bihar
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections have already started to heat up, with political leaders making bold promises and taking digs at their opponents. The latest controversy to surface is over RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s promise to amend the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, by keeping toddy out of its ambit. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad has taken a dig at Yadav, saying that he should wait till the elections before making such a move.
Tejashwi’s proposal, which aims to support the Pasi community, who are dependent on toddy tapping, has been met with criticism from the BJP and other opposition parties. Prasad, a senior BJP leader, has accused Yadav of trying to appease a particular community before the elections. “He should wait till the elections,” Prasad said in a statement. “Why is he trying to make such a big announcement at this point in time?”
Prasad’s comments have sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the timing of Yadav’s proposal. The BJP MP has also accused Yadav of trying to score brownie points with the Pasi community, who are a significant vote bank in Bihar. “Tejashwi is trying to play politics with the Pasi community,” Prasad said. “He is trying to ensure that they vote for him by making such announcements.”
However, Yadav’s supporters argue that the proposal is a long-overdue step towards ensuring the rights of the Pasi community. The Pasi community, who are primarily involved in toddy tapping, have been demanding that toddy be kept out of the ambit of the prohibition law. They argue that the current law has led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship among the community.
The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, was passed by the Nitish Kumar-led government to ban the consumption and sale of liquor in the state. However, the law has been criticized for its draconian provisions, including the prohibition of toddy, which is a significant source of income for many in the Pasi community.
Tejashwi’s proposal to amend the law and keep toddy out of its ambit has been hailed by many in the Pasi community as a step towards recognition of their rights. “This is a long-overdue step towards ensuring our rights,” said a Pasi community leader. “We have been demanding this for years, and we hope that Tejashwi’s proposal will finally bring some relief to our community.”
However, the proposal has also been criticized by many who argue that it is a step towards legalizing illegal activities. “Tejashwi is trying to legalize illegal activities by making such a proposal,” said a BJP spokesperson. “This is a clear attempt to appease a particular community before the elections.”
The controversy over Tejashwi’s proposal has also sparked a debate over the role of politics in ensuring the rights of marginalized communities. Many argue that politics should be used to uplift marginalized communities, rather than to score brownie points with them.
In conclusion, the controversy over Tejashwi’s proposal to amend the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, is a classic example of the politics of appeasement. While the proposal may have the support of many in the Pasi community, it has also been criticized by many who argue that it is a step towards legalizing illegal activities.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to amend the law and keep toddy out of its ambit will depend on the outcome of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. With the elections due this year, it remains to be seen whether Tejashwi’s proposal will gain traction or whether it will be met with opposition from the BJP and other opposition parties.
Source:
