Chhattisgarh excise minister and five-time Konta MLA Kawasi Lakhma is facing a challenge on his home turf in Sukma district this time. The reason? Growing unemployment and the Congress’s unfulfilled poll promise to ban liquor in the state. A Congress worker says Lakhma, popularly known as “Daadi” in the region, was even asked to return from several areas during the campaign amid local anger. 

On the liquor ban promise in the Congress’s 2018 manifesto, Lakhma says that he has ruled out the possibility of its implementation ever since he became the excise minister. Asked why, he says it can have adverse consequences, such as the “jailing of tribals” in other states where prohibition is in effect. “Only a nationwide ban by Prime Minister Narendra Modi can make it happen.” He says he has never received any formal request for a liquor ban though many want liquor licences. “Is the manifesto bigger or the people?” 

Asked about 10 years of the Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack case, he says the erstwhile BJP government should be asked why the courts stayed the probe.

Lakhma says those protesting against him must be “drunk”. Konta votes in the first phase on November 7.

Watch.

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