Bhopal (The Hawk): In Madhya Pradesh, the fight against narcotics and the illegal sale of alcohol appears to have political as well as police support.
Former Union minister and current BJP leader Uma Bharti is taking on her own party's government on the problem of alcohol while state police have just launched a specific campaign against narcotics.
As a protest against the new liquor policy enacted by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government earlier this year, former chief minister Bharti has recently made news by either smashing liquor bottles at shops or throwing cow poo at them.
And on Tuesday, she was at it again, taking down a poster advertising a booze store in Bhopal. She also contacted the manager to find out if he was an occasional drinker or if he strictly dealt.
Bharti threatened the administration and the police that she would disrupt peace and order if the liquor store remained next to a temple.
Bharti added that she was afraid the booze mafia would attack her because of her stance.
Earlier, I also warned that the alcohol industry would launch an attack on me, using disinformation to discredit my efforts. Someone warned me even today that I was helping the government's enemies by speaking out "On Tuesday, Bharti sent out a series of tweets.
Bharti further cautioned that she will continue to demonstrate unless the state government takes firm action against the unlawful sale of alcohol.
Aarti for the government of Madhya Pradesh if all bars are closed by decree "Bharti stated again in a tweet.
Meanwhile, beginning on October 8th, the Madhya Pradesh Police Department will be conducting a special anti-drug campaign that will focus on stopping the distribution, consumption, and driving under the influence of drugs and illegal alcohol.
Bharti, however, has stated that she will launch her own anti-addiction tour across the state because she is unsatisfied with the government's effort.
From November 7 through January 14 (2023), she said she would not be at her Bhopal home, but rather would travel throughout the state to spread her message of sobriety.
Notably, the state police initiated the campaign at the behest of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This change occurred a month before Bharti was scheduled to unveil her own campaign.
According to government sources, 3,874 people have been prosecuted under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 as of October 16th. The cops have shut down numerous hookah lounges that were operating illegally.
The police have implemented a statewide crackdown on drunk driving, arresting 1,619 people for the offence.
(Inputs from Agencies)