MYSURU:With elections around the corner, pressure is mounting on the ruling Congress to bring in “total prohibition” of alcohol in the state. Llike-minded legislators have come together and sought an appointment with AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi to express their “opinion in favour of a total prohibition”.
The legislators called on AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, K C Venugopal, and apprised him of their opinion that total prohibition would give an edge to the Congress in the elections “as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar drew political mileage against his rivals with huge support from women”.
Sources said 13 people including a police officer have visited Bihar to study the liquor ban and its execution.
Sources added that a delegation led by MLA B R Patil and former MLC Allam Prabhu Patil sought time with Rahul Gandhi to put forth their view.When contacted, Patil confirmed that they are waiting for an appointment with Rahul.
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has a different opinion. He says prohibition in one state will not help much as people in border districts venture into neighbouring states to have their peg. The state government is expecting `18,050 crore revenue from the Excise Department for the current financial year.
He says such a ban would give scope for illicit liquor, hooch tragedies and law and order problems.