Congress leader slams decision to allow liquor sales on Gandhi’s death anniversary and during Holi; demands immediate policy review
Published on: February 21, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Vipin Yadav, District President of the Congress in Rajnandgaon, has launched a sharp attack on the liquor policy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh, calling it “the worst in the country.” In a strongly worded statement, he alleged that the policy reflects the “economic and moral bankruptcy” of the state government, accusing it of prioritizing revenue generation from liquor over cultural values and social traditions.
Yadav said that since 1950, it has been a long-standing national practice to keep liquor shops closed on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as a mark of respect for the Father of the Nation. He described the observance not merely as an administrative decision but as a symbolic tribute to Gandhi’s ideals of restraint, morality, and sacrifice.
He alleged that by permitting liquor sales on Gandhi’s death anniversary, the BJP-led government has broken a decades-old tradition and shown disregard for national sentiments and cultural dignity. “This decision goes against the values that have been respected across the country since Independence,” he said.
The Congress leader also criticized the government’s decision to allow liquor sales during the festival of Holi, which he described as a celebration of harmony, brotherhood, and social unity. He argued that opening liquor outlets during such a festival could disturb social peace and negatively impact the festive atmosphere.
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Yadav warned that if any untoward incidents or criminal activities occur due to liquor consumption during festivals, the responsibility would rest entirely with the state government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Questioning the rationale behind the move, he asked why the government felt compelled to break established traditions. “Is revenue from liquor the sole priority of the government? Do culture, national icons, and social values hold no importance?” he asked, urging the BJP to clarify its stand publicly.
Concluding his statement, Yadav said the Indian National Congress strongly opposes what he termed a “people-unfriendly and insensitive policy” and demanded an immediate review and amendment of the liquor policy. He called upon the government to respect public sentiments and uphold cultural and moral responsibilities.
