BJP attacks government for selling wine in supermarkets, Congress highlights similar decision in MP | Bombay News
Mumbai: The war of words between ruling Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the government’s decision to allow wine retailing in walk-in shops and supermarkets continued on Friday.
On Thursday, former chief minister and opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said the government was converting Maharashtra into “Madya Rashtra” or a drinking nation. He alleged that although alcohol was cheaper, there was no relief in petrol and diesel prices. “We will not allow Maharashtra to become ‘Madya ‘Rashtra’,” he said.
Congress leader Sachin Sawant said the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh under Shivraj Singh Chouhan had made a similar decision which not only covered wine made from grapes, mead, fruits and flowers, but all kinds of alcohol. “Sir, please have a glimpse of our neighboring state which has already become ‘Madya Pradesh’ under BJP CM @ChouhanShivraj,” Sawant tweeted.
“To promote the wine industry and help farmers in Maharashtra, permission is given to sell wine only. But in MP, all types of liquor will be sold in supermarkets. Also, home stock Liquor stores will be called composite stores,” Sawant said, while asking if the BJP had a strategy to oppose alcohol when in opposition and promote its consumption when in opposition. he was in power.
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said on Friday that those opposing the decision are anti-farmers. “Wine is a product made from the fruits grown by farmers.” He said an increase in wine sales and exports would ensure good incomes for farmers who grow grapes, chikoo, cashews, guavas and cereals.
Sambhajirao Bhide Guruji, who leads the right-wing Shivaprathisthan Hindustan, attacked the government and called the move “shameless, anti-national, anti-religious, immoral and dangerous”. Bhide added that he would ask Governor BS Koshyari to dismiss this government.
Bandatatya Karhadkar, who is a Warkari sect leader, sarcastically praised the government and urged them to introduce wine into the school lunch program instead of nutritious foods.