Gujarat: Thakor community to hold mega rally demanding stricter prohibition law

Members of the Thakor community, under the other backward class (OBC), demanded stricter prohibition laws on Saturday in Gujarat. The community has also planned a mega rally in Gandhinagar in November to press for their demand. Convener of Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor Sena Alpesh Thakor said ahead of the mega rally they have will hold district- level meetings at different places to drum up support on the issue.

"We demand stricter prohibition laws, which should have the provision of at least 10-year jail term and Rs 5 lakh fine to those found selling liquor, and 2-year jail term and Rs 2 lakh fine to those found drinking, and strict action against responsible officials," he told media here. "We are planning a mega rally in Gandhinagar for this on November 6. We expect over 15 lakh people to participate," he claimed, adding, "We will continue agitation until our demands are met or else we will gherao Gujarat Vidhan Sabha complex."

Currently, a bootlegger faces maximum one year jail term, while those found guilty of liquor consumption have to face maximum six months of imprisonment. Thakor has been vehemently opposing inclusion of Patels in the OBC list even as quota agitation leader Hardik Patel led an intense and agitation for reservation. The Thakor Sena is also pressing for their demands including, supply of Narmada canal water for farmers, new education policy to tame private education sector and jobs to unemployed youths.