UP government mulling prohibition in the state: Keshav Prasad Maurya

Allahabad: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday revealed that the state government is pondering over the ban on sale and consumption of liquor in the state on the lines of Bihar.

Speaking on the same, the UP Deputy CM said, "Though, the liquor ban was not mentioned in Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto, but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led state government is holding meetings for discussion over imposing ban on sale and consumption of alcoholic products in the state. The prohibition may be imposed in steps."

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It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on occasion of Guru Gobind Singh's 350^th Prakash Parv, had visited Patna, where he lauded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for imposing ban on liquor. Nitish Kumar has also appealed PM Modi to ban liquor across the entire country.

Keshav asserted that there would be no liquor shops within 500 meters from schools and temples.

Speaking over the government crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses of the state, the Deputy CM claimed that the government is not going to provide any respite to the illegal slaughterhouses, though it is looking for different employment opportunities for those affected due to the decision.