Bihar’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, has stated unequivocally that the prohibition law will remain in effect, dismissing any suggestions of a rollback despite increasing requests from some National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members for a reassessment of its implementation. Since the NDA’s significant win in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, there has been heightened speculation regarding the fate of Bihar’s prohibition law, with concerns raised within the ruling alliance about its enforcement and economic consequences.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s close aide, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, emphasized that the government had carefully considered potential revenue losses before implementing the law and is steadfast in its commitment to uphold it. Addressing worries about financial implications, Chaudhary highlighted that the government had already evaluated the revenue effects when prohibition was introduced in 2016.
Chaudhary stressed that the law, known as the Bihar Excise Prohibition Act, was put into effect with a clear understanding of the revenue setbacks it would entail. He emphasized that questioning the law’s validity undermines its purpose, which aims to criminalize alcohol consumption and discourage its use. Despite revenue challenges, Chaudhary praised the Nitish Kumar administration for its strong performance across various development metrics, showcasing it as a defining characteristic of the current government.
The statement from Chaudhary gains significance as internal voices within the NDA call for a review of the law’s implementation. During the ongoing Budget Session of the Bihar Assembly, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the enforcement of prohibition for enhanced effectiveness. Similarly, Jitan Ram Manjhi, the patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and a senior NDA figure, has persistently advocated for a review of the law’s execution.
Despite internal pressures, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary’s declaration underscores that the Nitish Kumar government has no intentions of revisiting or revoking the prohibition law, even as opposition parties continue to criticize the administration over issues like liquor smuggling and enforcement deficiencies. With prohibition remaining a politically sensitive topic in Bihar, the upcoming days of the Assembly session are likely to witness further discussions, although the government’s stance, at present, remains resolute.
