Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday, February 5, 2021, sent a letter to Maharashtra State Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reminding him about starting an indefinite hunger strike against the decision taken by the government regarding the permission given for the sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in shops.
The first letter by Hazare was sent on February 3, 2021, however, no response was sent by the government. As per reports, Hazare has opposed the decision and has been warning about the same for the last few days. PTI quoted Hazare who said, "I am sending a reminder letter as no response was received from the state government. The state government recently decided to allow the sale of wine in supermarkets and grocery shops. The decision is unfortunate for the state and it will be dangerous for the coming generations. To oppose this decision, I decided to go on indefinite hunger strike. I had sent a letter regarding the same to CM and Deputy CM (Ajit Pawar), but no response has been received."
It is being said that Hazare thinks that the sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in shops could lead to addiction and considering the same, he had also warned that a protest would be called for in in Maharashtra against the same decision.
A report published in Times Now quoted Hazare who said, “It's the duty of Govt to work towards de-addiction, but I'm saddened to see that it is taking decisions, for financial benefits, that would result in liquor addiction."
Maharashtra government had planned that shops which have an area of 100sq mt or more can adopt tot he concept of “shelf-in-shop." A statement regarding the same was issued by the CMO which also mentioned that the same will be allowed if the shops were registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, but permission will not be given if the shop is located near places of worship or educational institutions.
Opposition parties had also criticised this decision and slammed the government for promoting liquor sale.
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