Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar/Junagadh : During a media interaction following a question hour in the Gujarat Assembly, AAP Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia raised concerns over the Gujarat Liquor Controversy, pointing out a glaring imbalance in law enforcement.
“Yesterday, I raised Question No. 25 in the Assembly, which was critical and necessary. Instead of giving a clear answer, the government responded in circles,” said Italia. His question focused on the number of people caught drinking alcohol in Vadodara and Ahmedabad, the FIRs registered against them, and whether corresponding action was taken against the sellers of alcohol.
According to official data, 32,464 individuals were caught consuming alcohol, but Italia questioned why the government did not investigate where they obtained it and why the liquor sellers remain largely untouched.
Also read : Arvind Kejriwal Surat Visit: Party Leaders and Workers Welcome National Coordinator with Enthusiasm
“Every person who drinks either makes it at home or buys it. If 32,464 drinkers were caught, shouldn’t the sellers face equal action? The government is only targeting drinkers for show, making reels, and gaining applause, but the sellers who supply them remain free,” Italia emphasized.
Selective Enforcement in Gujarat Liquor Controversy: Gopal Italia Demands Action Against Both Drinkers and Sellers
The Gujarat Liquor Controversy underlines concerns over selective enforcement of liquor laws, exposing a gap between punitive measures against consumers and the lack of accountability for vendors. Italia highlighted that proper investigation could result in action against more than 60,000 individuals, including both drinkers and sellers, yet such measures are ignored.
“The government must ensure equal and fair action under the law,” Italia added, calling attention to the ongoing disparity in the handling of liquor-related offences across Gujarat.
This statement by AAP MLA Gopal Italia has reignited debates over Gujarat’s liquor enforcement policies and is likely to intensify scrutiny of government accountability in the coming weeks.