Forward Bloc MLA demands ban on liquor in West Bengal, gets support from Congress and CPM

KOLKATA: Forward Bloc MLA Ali Imran Ramz on Tuesday demanded a ban on liquor in Bengal. Referring to Bihar government's decision to ban liquor in the state, Ramz told the state Assembly during the day that "I believe chief minister does not consume alcohol. Then why she is not imposing ban on liquor in our state ?"

Ramz was taking part in the discussion on state budget." Bihar government has already taken a bold decision by banning liquor in the state. Following this decision, law and order situation in Bihar has improved remarkably. Why our government is not taking such a decision ?,' asked the Bloc MLA.

However, ruling party MLAs objected to Ramz's statement when he told the House that "I believe chief minister does not consume alcohol."

Congress MLA Manas Bhunia, however, came to the rescue of Ramz. "Our government has decided to raise Rs 717 crore from excise duties. It is clear that the government is indirectly encouraging consumption of alcohol and has targeted to earn Rs 717 crore by allowing alcohol manufacturers to sell their products in our state.

Instead of encouraging alcohol consumption, the government should ban the drink to improve law and order situation," Bhunia argued.

Left Front legislative party leader and CPIM MLA Sujan Chakraborty also supported Ramz.