Chhattisgarh MLA suggests use of bhang, ganja instead of alcohol

An opposition BJP MLA in Chhattisgarh has waded into a controversy by suggesting the use of bhang and ganja instead of alcohol to reduce crimes.

MLA Krishnamurti Bandhi came up with his theory that crimes like rape, murder and dacoity increase with use of alcohol; and that bhang and ganja do not cause an increase in such crimes.

Ganja is the Indian name for cannabis, and its use is banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Bhang is an edible mixture made using the leaves of the cannabis plant.


Bandhi did not volunteer much information on where he came up with this finding, saying instead it is his personal opinion.

"I had been told somewhere that alcohol is the reason for rape, murder and quarrel, but I asked (in the Assembly) to tell me whether a person who consumes bhang has ever committed rape, murder and dacoity," ANI quoted Bandhi as saying.

Bandhi also made a suggestion - that the committee set up to study alcohol addiction in the state should think on how those who are addicted could instead be served these substances.

The Congress in the state accused him of encouraging the use of banned substances. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested that the MLA should approach the BJP-ruled Centre if he wanted ganja legalised in the country.