FILE photo: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Almost 48 hours after clearing the sale of Indian-manufactured foreign liquor in shops already selling country-made liquor in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today withdrew the decision. Opening of new liquor shops has been banned in the state since 2005. Mr Chouhan had promised to continue that ban in his swearing-in speech in December last year, saying his government wanted to discourage the consumption of alcohol in the state.
But almost three weeks after that assurance, the cabinet, on Monday, decided to allow the sale of Indian Manufactured Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in shops already selling country-made liquor in the state. While there was opposition by the Congress, some in the ruling BJP, too, did not approve of the move.
"I support minimising sale of alcohol. I know they generate a lot of revenue but they should figure out some other means," said former MP and BJP leader Prahlad Singh Patel.
On Tuesday, a group of Congress workers went to the residence of cabinet mister Babulal Gaur with flowers, to congratulate him for not backing the sale of liquor. The Chief Minister finally reversed the order on Wednesday in the face of widespread criticism.
"I discussed the issue with state BJP party President and have decided to take back the decision," Mr Chouhan said.
The Congress was quick to attack the government of being indecisive.
"Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Chief Minister, he cannot go back and forth like this," Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh said.