Chandrapur: In a paradox of sorts the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections is marked by two women one arguing for lifting of the booze ban and the other calling for status quo. The election campaign in Chimur and Bramhapuri assembly constituencies where there is prohibition has once again seen a heated debate on the “Ubhi Battli” (standing bottle) and “Aadvi Battli” (bottle lying down indicating prohibition).
Undeterred by the controversy she has raked up, Vanita Jitendra Raut, the lone woman candidate of the Akhil Bharatiya Manavata Paksha (ABMP) has made an unusual election promise to the electorate to lift the liquor ban in the district. Whereas, Paromita Prangopal Goswami who is contesting on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ticket from Brahmapuri assembly constituency is in favour of up-holding the liquor ban.
In 2015, Chandrapur became the third district in the state after Wardha and Gadhchiroli to be brought under prohibition on various grounds, including demands from the locals. While, Raut has been advocating her single point agenda of lifting the liquor ban, Goswami on the other has successfully implemented prohibition in Chandrapur district.
Taking her plunge into active electoral politics Goswami argues that instead of lifting of the booze ban she focusing on issues close to the people like jobs, proper housing, and strict enforcement of the liquor ban. Besides, these the question of man-animal conflict is also serious issue as the Brahmapuri constituency is surrounded by several wildlife and tiger santauaries in Chandrapur district. She is facing a formidable opponent in the form of Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress, who is also the leader of opposition in the legislative assembly.
On the other hand, Raut who begins her election campaign in the morning, has focused on her one point agenda of revoking the liquor ban in Chandrapur district. The pitch of her poll campaign is to once again make Chandrapur the land of liquor. She has promised that if elected she would get liquor permits and bar licenses to unemployed youths to open liquor shops in all the villages for an honorable living, that too with government grants.
Her argument is that despite the liquor ban imposed five years ago, illegal consumption of liquor has shot up as people have begun finding ways to beat the booze ban. Raut argues that instead of having the ban in place it would be better if the government lifted the ban and earn tax revenue out of it. She further argues that just like those living below the poverty line (BPL) get subsidized rations, the people should also get subsidized liquor with buyers getting their purchase stamped on their ration cards.
Her argument in favour of lifting the booze ban is that subsidized liquor will enable especially the poor to buy liquor at say Rs 20 and take home along with chicken and eggs and have it happily in the confines of their homes. Raut further argues that the lifting of the ban will help reduce brawls and crimes when people drink outside. She added that children can enjoy chicken and eggs, and also help solve the problems of malnutrition.
However, not all women have taken Raut’s poll plank kindly as they fear revoking the booze ban will bring back bitter memories of family fights. For Raut to keep her one point poll promise she will have to overcome her other formidable opponents that include Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, BSP, VBA, Peasants & Workers Party of India and four independents who are in the poll fray in Chimur constituency.
