Those against prohibition may vote for opposition if they wish: Sushil Modi

In a strong defence of prohibition in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has said those opposed to the ban on sale and consumption of liquor may vote for the opposition if they wish, and asserted that the policy has made the streets safer and helped the poor.

The RJD-led opposition alliance has claimed that the policy has not worked in Bihar, pointing out that alcohol is available in the black market and it has resulted in harassment of the common man by the authorities.

Modi, a senior BJP leader, said the imposition of prohibition by the Nitish Kumar government has been a success.

"Drunken brawls that would earlier happen on the streets have gone away. There used to be cases of eve-teasing by drunk ruffians which is no longer the case. Poor people, who would spend their hard-earned money on liquor, now save it," he told PTI.

Asked about the criticism of the policy by a section of people, including the opposition, Modi shot back, saying they may vote for the BJP's rivals ..