Social activist Anna Hazare said the Maharashtra government’s decision to permit the sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in shops was unfortunate. He added that the government should work towards de-addiction and not take decisions for financial benefit.
Days after Maharashtra government passed a proposal to allow the sale of wine at supermarkets and walk-in shops in the state, social activist Anna Hazare said the state government’s decision was “unfortunate”.
Anna Hazare added: “It’s the duty of government to work towards de-addiction, but I’m saddened to see that it is taking decisions, for financial benefits, that would result in liquor addiction.”
On Thursday (Jan27), the Maharashtra cabinet passed a proposal to allow the sale of wine at supermarkets and walk-in shops in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the “shelf-in-shop” method can be adopted by those supermarkets and stores that have an area of 1,000 square feet or more and are registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act.
However, supermarkets near places of worship and educational institutes will not be permitted to sell wine. Further, the sale of wine will not be allowed in districts where prohibition is in force.
Meanwhile, the Opposition, BJP, has slammed the decision and alleged that the state government is promoting consumption of liquor.
BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will not allow Maharashtra to become a Madya-rashtra [liquor state].”
“The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government did not help people during two years of the pandemic but its priority is promoting the sale of liquor,” he added.
