When DNA contacted political parties for their reaction, most leaders gave guarded replies, but economists and Gandhians were of the strong view that even with prohibition in force, the state has made strides in development and it had not deterred industrialists from making large-scale investments in various sectors.
The Smart Party’s poll plank is going to be lifting of prohibition,but the two main political parties exercised caution while commenting or reacting to the issue, while economists and Gandhians showed the red flag saying it could increase the health budget due to the social repercussions on the low income group.
When DNA contacted political parties for their reaction, most leaders gave guarded replies, but economists and Gandhians were of the strong view that even with prohibition in force, the state has made strides in development and it had not deterred industrialists from making large-scale investments in various sectors.
Former VC of Gujarat Vidyapith, Sudarshan Iyengar said, “Revenue arguments have been advanced in the past too, but when public policies are decided, it’s not just financial cost, but social cost that should be considered. If prohibition is lifted, youth might get addicted, increasing the medical bills.” He said economics without ethics would result in ‘anarthsashtra’. Economist Hemant Shah said, “Lifting prohibition may increase revenue, but at what cost? Mere failure to implement the policy can’t be a valid reason to lift prohibition. If it was an issue of revenue loss, states like Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Kerala could not have considered implementing the policy.”
He said the move could prove counter productive for the Smart Party as women would strongly oppose such a political plank. If people were opposed to prohibition, the OBC Ekta Manch would have not garnered such support from people, he added.
Political takes
We would not like to comment on the issue at this point, said Jitu Vaghani, BJP president.
Let the party first get official registration and make an official statement about its ideology and philosophy. We would like to comment only after that, said Bharatsinh Solanki, Congress president.
Prohibition policy should be continued, but the corrupt practice and nexus of police, politicians and bootleggers should be broken, said Harshil Nayak, AAP.
In Gandhi’s Gujarat, can’t think against his philosophy, said Hardik Patel, PAAS.
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