Patna, Aug 31 (IANS) Despite Bihar's prohibition policy, suspected spurious liquor has once again triggered concern in the state following the deaths of four people in the Barh area of Patna district.
The incident has prompted the opposition to target the Bihar government and raise questions over the effectiveness of liquor prohibition and law and order.
RJD leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the deaths as unfortunate and demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Tejashwi said similar incidents had occurred in the past but alleged that the administration had failed to learn from them.
He claimed that the law-and-order situation in Bihar had deteriorated and expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents.
He said the administration should clarify how the incident occurred and determine whether there was any administrative failure.
Tejashwi also alleged that poor people were often the ones who suffered the consequences, with some losing their lives while others were arrested.
He called for a thorough investigation into the Barh incident and said those responsible should be identified.
Meanwhile, speaking about a meeting convened by the RJD, Tejashwi said its primary objective was to strengthen the party's organisational structure.
He said the meeting would discuss upcoming programmes and strategies for expanding and strengthening the organisation.
Tejashwi also backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning alleged discrimination against Dalit and Mahadalit students in schools.
Rahul Gandhi had raised concerns over instances in which students from these communities were allegedly made to perform cleaning duties.
Tejashwi said Rahul Gandhi was right to raise the issue and asserted that practices associated with untouchability should have no place in society.
Referring to allegations surrounding a purported “purification” ritual after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's event in Uttarakhand, Tejashwi reiterated his opposition to untouchability and discrimination.
On the case registered against Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi said cases were frequently filed against opposition leaders who raised issues concerning the public.
“If a case is being registered, let it happen,” he said, while maintaining that opposition leaders would continue to raise issues affecting the people.
The remarks come amid renewed political debate over Bihar's prohibition policy, with the opposition demanding accountability from the government following the suspected spurious liquor deaths in Barh.
--IANS
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