New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav has stated that his government is seriously considering implementing a liquor ban in specific religious cities in the state. This came after years of appeal by saints and spiritual leaders. These cities, which attract lakhs of devotees annually, are regarded as major centres of faith.
CM Yadav said that the state government is working on revising its liquor policy to enforce a ban in areas considered spiritually significant. Talking to reporters, he said, “We are deliberating on implementing a liquor ban in religious cities to preserve their sanctity. Complaints about the negative impact of alcohol on the atmosphere of these holy cities are frequent, and we are committed to maintaining their purity.”
Major religious cities
The cities which could see the ban of liquor include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Pitambara Peeth, Nalkheda, Amarkantak, and Orchha. “We are serious about this issue and will soon make a decision,” he said, adding that the liquor shops would be moved outside the boundaries of these cities.
According to reports, a decision on this could be taken during the upcoming budget session of the state assembly and the government plans to amend its existing liquor policy to enforce the ban. “We are working on changes to our liquor policies in light of the upcoming budget session,” the Chief Minister remarked. He also clarified that alcohol sales would be restricted to areas outside the perimeters of temples and other religious sites.
The demand for a liquor ban in Madhya Pradesh has been gaining traction for years.
