Sanjay Raut defends MVA govt's decision after Fadnavis’ ‘Madyarashtra’ remark

Soon after Maharashtra government on Thursday, January 27, announced its decision to allow sale of wines at supermarkets and grocery stores, the opposition parties, leaders and women’s group have slammed the move.

Meanwhile, just ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2022, the Maharashtra BJP also left no stones unturned to launch attack at the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

A day later, on Friday, January 28, Shiv Sena, who is a part of three-party MVA alliance in state, defended its stand on selling wines.

Lashing at the ruling government, BJP Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis took to twitter and said: “We won’t allow Maharashtra to become ‘Madya’Rashtra (liquor state).”

He was also quick to note on issues the state was facing amid the crisis-like situation owing to the ongoing pandemic. “No relief on Petrol-Diesel, but liquor made cheaper, Decisions to issue new liquor license, Schools-Temples closed but wine shops were open, Liquor ban lifted, and now sale of wine from super markets/kirana shops!” he added.

➡️ No relief on Petrol-Diesel,but liquor made cheaper
➡️ Decisions to issue new liquor license
➡️ Schools-Temples closed but wine shops were open
➡️ Liquor ban lifted
➡️ And now sale of wine from super markets/kirana shops!

We won’t allow Maharashtra to become ‘Madya’Rashtra❗️

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 27, 2022

Responding to these remarks, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed that 'wine is not liquor'. He also mentioned that this move was for the farmers' benefit to double their income. BJP only opposes for the sake of it but does not do anything for farmers.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) clarified that "shelf-in-shop" method will be applicable in shops with area of 100 sq mt or more, which are registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act. But the supermarkets which are near places of worship or educational institutions cannot sell wine. Moreover, shop owners will have to be pay a fee of INR 5,000 for selling wine.