Congress Promises Booze Ban in Chhattisgarh Election Manifesto

The Congress has gone the Nitish Kumar way with the promise to ban alcohol in the party’s election manifesto.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi with other leaders releasing the party’s Chhattisgarh election manifesto

(Photo: Twitter handle @INCIndia)

The Congress party, in its poll manifesto for Chhattisgarh, has promised alcohol prohibition in the state.

The manifesto, which was released in Rajnandgaon on Friday, 9 November, says a total ban on liquor would be imposed in the state if the Congress comes to power. The manifesto, however, notes that in tribal areas like Bastar and Sarguja, gram sabhas or village councils would be empowered to take decision on prohibition.

Many women’s groups gave their representations on liquor ban to the members of the Congress’s manifesto committee, reported Hindustan Times. The report also says anti-liquor protests have been witnessed across the state recently.

The Congress manifesto also promises an immediate loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of the formation of the Congress government and a monthly stipend for 10 lakh young unemployed people.

Other important poll planks include cutting down electricity bills by half for domestic consumption and fixing MSP for rice at Rs 2500/quintal.