A senior Shiv Sena minister demanded Tuesday thatthe liquor ban in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district should be lifted, arguing that it was leading to rise in sale of illegal liquor and related crimes.
The state government has imposed prohibition in three districts: Wardha,Gadchiroli and Chandrapur.
Sena leader and industries minister Subhash Desai pointed out that a police sub-inspector was mowed down by liquor mafia last week during a vehicle checking.
"Liquor ban is a complete failure as far as Chandrapurdistrict is concerned. A ban leads to illegal sale of liquor, rise incrime and revenue loss. Also, the death of a policemanis a serious incident," said Desai.
"The objective behind the ban is not being fulfilled," he said.
Asked about Wardha district, the Sena leader said, "It is a different caee. Wardha is historically associated with Mahatma Gandhi (who lived at Sevagram in the district)."
However, finance minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, who is also the guardian minister for Chandrapur, claimed that crime ratehas come down after the ban came into effect.
"Liftingthe ban is not the solution if there is illegal sale,"Mungantiwar said.
"588gram panchayats had passed a resolution seeking ban onliquor and thousands of women protested and carried out a signature campaignagainst liquor shops," he said.
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