What led to sudden change of tack by Nitish Kumar?

The phase-wise ban on liquor, which included prohibition in rural areas, was introduced from April 1 in Bihar. But, what actually happened in the next four days that led to a complete ban on liquor even in urban/town/municipal areas in Bihar?

After all, many of the hotels and restaurants in urban areas had procured bar licence after paying hefty fees. The fresh licences were procured as the government had earlier made it clear that liquor would be banned in town areas in the second phase, possibly from the next financial year.

So what made Nitish Kumar suddenly change the tack? Sources familiar with the developments said that around 15 hours before convening a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar summoned his trusted bureaucrat KK Pathak, the Principal Secretary of Excise Department, to his chamber.

Though what exactly transpired between the two on Monday late evening was not known, but sources did argue that Pathak, soon after coming out of CM’s room, asked his junior colleagues to draft two proposals.

One of the proposals was to allow private liquor retailers an extension of six months. This was being done as the Government-run Bihar State Beverages Corporation Limited (BSBCL), entrusted with the task to sell Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) in town areas, had failed in its job. Besides, Nitish was already apprised of the news that local people were vehemently opposing opening new shops of BSBCL.

Nitish was reportedly happy as well as worried. Happy that his decision to ban liquor was being hailed by the people even in the urban areas. But at the same time, he was worried about the problems being faced by BSBCL in opening new outlets.

Against such a backdrop, the second proposal, which Pathak reportedly asked his men to prepare, was a complete ban on liquor. These officials, who worked till Monday midnight, were again summoned by Pathak on Tuesday morning at around 7 am.

In the Cabinet meeting that took place on Tuesday, the two draft proposals were placed before Nitish Kumar. The Chief Minister is believed to have told his close aides that there was “a silent revolution in favour of prohibition…. in rural areas as well as urban areas. The time has come to read the pulse of the people and enforce a complete ban on liquor throughout the State.”

As soon as the Cabinet meeting was over, Nitish made the historic announcement of Bihar becoming a dry State.