After raising issue of effective implementation of Right to Education (RTE) in some of the well-known schools of Gujarat, the three emerging political leaders – Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) coordinator Hardik Patel, Dalit MlA Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader turned Congress MlA Alpesh Thakor once again joined hands over the issue of illicit liquor in Gujarat.
The trio claimed that around 15000 youngsters were losing lives every year in the State after consuming spurious liquor. Thakor Sena led by Thkor, Dalit Ekta Manch led by Mevani and PAAS decided to carry out public raids across the State on selling of illegal liquor. According to them workers of all three outfits would carry out such raids across 10,000 such places.
All the three young leaders have emerged on Gujarat’s political scenario, after 2014 lok Sabha polls. Two of them also made their way in Gujarat Assembly the last State elections. Patel is yet to qualify (age wise) to contest elections as he is below 25 years.
Blaming State Government Thkor said that to stop selling of illicit liquor, political will. If Government could stop water pouches within 24 hours, why couldn’t it crack down on those who were involved in bootlegging, he added. Illegal trade of liquor couldn’t be possible without support from top level, claimed Mevani. Hardik said that it would be the responsibility of police if there would be any attack on him or other two.
The trio raised the issue after four persons had to admit in hospital following consumption of spurious liquor. The issue became controversial as one of them lost their eyesight. As per Government data, in Ahmedabad alone we have dealth with 8033 cases under Prohibition Act. The police have arrested 240 persons under PASA and 55 persons banished from the State for such activities.