Patna: Nitish Kumar is facing the heat for liquor deaths in Bihar. But the chief minister is in no mood to take responsibility.
At least 38 people have died in different villages in Chhapra district after allegedly consuming spurious liquor.
A day after facing protests from Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Nitish brazened it out, saying that those who consume alcohol will die.
“Logo ko sachet rehna chahiye… jo sharab piyega wo marega (People should be careful.. those who consume liquor will die),” Nitish said when mediapersons asked him about the Chhapra hooch tragedy.
Recalling previous instances of liquor deaths in the state, Nitish said the government had taken action against liquor consumption.
“Bihar is a dry state since 2016, people should understand this. Last time, when people died after drinking toxic liquor, someone said they should be given compensation. When someone consumes alcohol, they will die, the example is before us. We should express grief and tell people that liquor is bad and it should not be consumed,” Nitish said.
On Wednesday, as BJP MLAs targeted him in the Assembly, Nitish shouted: “Kya ho gaya, jehrili sharab, halla kar rahe ho tum log. Sharabi ho gaye ho tum (what happened.. why are you all screaming? You all have become alcoholics).”
The CM’s stance sparked protests, with the BJP legislators carrying out a demonstration outside the Assembly.
LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan questioned Nitish’s statement.
“Jo piyega wo marega, but what about those who are selling toxic liquor, jo bechega wo bachega (those who sell liquor will be saved)… state government is protecting those involved in this business. In Nitish Kumar’s rule, those who drink liquor are mahapaapi (sinners) but those who sell liquor are maha gyani (wise),” Chirag said.
