Tejashwi Yadav promises to exclude Toddy from the liquor ban if Grand Alliance forms government in Bihar.

Patna, April 27, 2025: RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, once again announced if the Grand Alliance forms the government after the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, toddy will be removed from the liquor prohibition law.

Tejashwi Yadav announced his commitment in the Pasi Community event:

Tejashwi Yadav made this statement while addressing the Toddy Businessman Mahajutan program held at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna on Sunday.

With this move, Yadav is clearly trying to mobilize the Pasi community a community that traditionally supports Chirag Paswan’s Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) in favor of the RJD ahead of the crucial elections.

Tejashwi Yadav announced that toddy is to be removed from liquor prohibition law if the Mahagathbandhan government is formed. Cases against toddy businessmen will be withdrawn and toddy to be granted industry status to be granted industry status to improve the economic conditions of those involved in this traditional trade.

Tejashwi Yadav emphasized that during the tenure of the previous Grand Alliance government, both he and Lalu Prasad Yadav had advocated multiple times to exempt toddy from the liquor ban. However, they were unable to act because of what he called the “stubbornness” of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“While being in the Grand Alliance government, Lalu Prasad and I talked about taking Toddy out of the liquor ban law many times, but due to Nitish Kumar’s stubbornness, the government could not take a decision regarding Toddy. But this time, if our government comes, we will take Toddy out of the liquor ban law,” Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav’s earlier statement on today:

On March 6 this year, Tejashwi Yadav had already made a bold election promise to revise the liquor prohibition law and reinstate the pre-2016 provisions concerning toddy. He had clarified that while toddy (fermented palm sap) would be excluded from the liquor ban, he did not indicate any plans to lift the overall liquor prohibition in Bihar.

“If elected, toddy will be excluded from the liquor ban as it is a source of livelihood for a large number of people in Bihar,” Tejashwi had said.

The announcement holds major political significance as the Pasi community is a key segment among the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) in Bihar politics.

Winning their support could prove crucial for the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming assembly elections.

Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav announced the ‘Beti Program’ for women’s empowerment ahead of the 2025 assembly poll.

EOM.