Though not willing to come out in the open, a number of ruling Trinamool Congress leaders have rejected the Opposition’s demand to ban liquor in Bengal.

Taking a cue from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and apparently to remain afloat in the State politics, Bengal Opposition parties earlier demanded a complete ban on liquor.

"If Bihar can do it why can't IIJ" asked Forward Bloc Ali Imran Ramz during a debate in the State Assembly. "liquor generates revenue but at the same time it ruins many lives. So it is necessary to forego revenue in the interest of saving lives and families. The Government should immediately consider banning liquor in Bengal," he said.

The Congress instantly joined the chorus backing Bloc MlA. Opposition leader Abdul Mannan said, "Bihar Chief Minister is showing us the path though the State exchequer is incurring loss. He is simply doing so to give the State youth a better quality of life and a bright future."

Curiously Finance Minister Amit Mitra remained silent during the debate.  Sujan Chakrabarty, left legislature Party leader said liquor was one of those mediums with which the ruling party purchased the thousands of criminals who rigged polls and intimidate voters. "if they ban liquor then they will lose elections."

Notwithstanding the Opposition demand a senior Trinamool leader and a State Minister on Wednesday asked acerbically "had the left Front Government banned liquor during the 34 years of their rule. Before making such lofty advises they should first remember the huge debt trap in which they have left us in." Another Minister and a leader of a mass organisation said, "our Government is well aware of the bad effect of liquor but at this point of time it is not possible for the Government to put a ban on the liquor just for the sake of revenue."

He said how the left Front Government had introduced "super lotto" a daily online lottery system that had ruined the State.

The leader added "the issue is being raised now because the opposition parties know that after the humiliating loss in the elections they have no means to stay afloat in the State politics. So they are trying to earn cheap popularity by raising the liquor issue."

While Bengal earned revenue of about Rs2,600 crore in 2012, the earning has crossed Rs3,500 mark in the recent times.