In a significant electoral move, Bihar’s main opposition party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, has included a pledge in its manifesto to exempt toddy, a traditional country liquor, from the state’s stringent prohibition on alcohol. The ban, implemented in 2016, has been a subject of considerable debate across the state.
Tejashwi Yadav recalled his previous attempts as deputy chief minister to advocate for toddy’s exclusion from the ban, highlighting its importance as a generational occupation for the Pasi community. He noted that his appeal to then-Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was not heeded, but the RJD has now made it a central part of its electoral promises.
This proposal emerges as a partial shift from the strict enforcement of the ban, especially with new political entrant Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party advocating for a complete repeal of the prohibition. Kishor argues that the ban is largely ineffective and that lifting it could generate substantial revenue for the state, estimated to be around ₹28,000 crore annually, while also regulating the alcohol trade.
The current prohibition, enacted in April 2016 by the then-governing coalition, prohibits both the sale and consumption of all alcoholic beverages, including toddy, which is derived from the sap of palm trees.
Initially, leaders from the RJD and BJP had supported the ban in principle but expressed concerns that prohibiting toddy would negatively impact the livelihoods of numerous families within the Pasi community. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, currently leading the JDU in alliance with the NDA, has consistently linked the ban to women’s welfare, asserting that alcohol abuse disproportionately affects women through their husbands’ addiction. He often cites seizure data for liquor, drugs, and illegal arms as evidence of the ban’s success.
Despite these efforts, Bihar continues to grapple with deaths related to illicit liquor consumption, and reports indicate that alcohol remains accessible, albeit at a higher price.
Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor commented, “There is a law in place that has shut down liquor shops and started home delivery,” highlighting the perceived loopholes in enforcement.
The ruling NDA itself shows a mixed response to the policy. Union minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi has recently called for a review, suggesting that the ban unfairly targets the poor while smugglers evade punishment. Despite three reviews, the prohibition has remained in place.
While Nitish Kumar was an ally of the RJD when the ban was first introduced, the RJD has since adopted a more critical stance, labeling the ban a “failure of governance” due to revenue losses, black market proliferation, and corruption.
The RJD’s current proposal for a partial rollback, by exempting toddy, acknowledges its popularity, particularly in rural areas.
A Caste-Centric Approach to Livelihoods
The RJD’s move also taps into Bihar’s complex caste dynamics. Tejashwi Yadav recalled his father, Lalu Prasad, waiving taxes on toddy during his tenure as Chief Minister. The Bihar caste survey indicates that the Pasi community, while constituting less than 1% of the state’s population, falls under the Mahadalit category within the Scheduled Castes. This political outreach is seen as an attempt to garner support from marginalized communities.
Furthermore, the discussion raises the broader question of the efficacy of prohibition as a policy tool.
Has the Liquor Ban Proven Effective?
A May 2024 study published in The Lancet analyzed the impact of Bihar’s alcohol ban using national and household survey data. The findings suggest a significant reduction in alcohol consumption and a decrease in instances of partner violence.
However, other research indicates that prohibition may have inadvertently led to increased crime rates by criminalizing common activities. Studies by Aaditya Dar and Abhilasha Sahay also suggest that the diversion of police resources to enforce alcohol bans might compromise their ability to address other criminal activities. Additionally, illicit alcohol consumption has been linked to higher rates among young people.
International and State Comparisons
Gujarat has maintained a strict alcohol ban since 1961. While this has limited legal access, the persistent demand fuels a black market. Mizoram reinstated a complete alcohol ban in 2018 to combat domestic violence and public disorder, showing some initial success in reducing alcohol use, though inconsistent enforcement has created opportunities for smugglers.
Globally, prohibition policies have often proven difficult to enforce and complex in their outcomes. The United States’ nationwide alcohol ban from 1920 to 1933, for instance, led to the rise of speakeasies and increased organized crime and bootlegging.
In Pakistan, alcohol is banned for Muslims, with permits available for non-Muslims, yet illicit production and smuggling remain widespread. Saudi Arabia enforces a strict ban with severe penalties, but smuggling and underground consumption persist. Notably, in 2025, Saudi Arabia opened its first liquor store exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats as part of its Vision 2030, signaling a potential shift toward modernization.