Bista slams state liquor shop plans for Hills, Alipurduar

SNS, SILIGURI, 11 NOVEMBER 2022: Darjeeling's BJP MP Raju Bista has criticised the decision of the West Bengal government to set up more India-made foreign liquor out lets in the state, including in the three districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Alipurduar in North Bengal.

Mr Bista has also questioned the rights of the state excise department in setting up such outlets in the area under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

"In case of opening of new liquor outlets, the power rests with the GTA and not the West Bengal State Excise Department, since Section 26 (xvii) of the GTA Act states, 'all administrative, financial and executive powers in the region in relation to intoxicating liquors, opium derivatives subjects to the provisions of Entry 84 list-I of the Seventh Schedule; distilleries - control and regulation, Bonded House and rising of revenue' rests with the CM," Mr Bista claimed.

Notably, the state excise department plans to set up more outlets to earn more revenue by providing franchise to interested business persons under the banner of BEVCO (West Bengal State Beverage Corporation) through a tender process.

Top officials of the excise department recently held a pre-bidding meeting with interested persons in this region.

"The Trinamool Congress led state government is willing to increase the number of liquor shops as it generates revenue for them, but they are not willing to increase the number of Panchayat seats, as it benefits the people from our region. We have to understand this very dangerous trend," Mr Bista said.

"This is how TMC run government is seeking to destroy our region and people, especially the youths. It is willing to create avenues for generating revenue for the state which has become bankrupt," Mr Bista said, adding, "The financial state of West Bengal has become so precarious under the leadership of the TMC. The government is squeezing every penny from our region, including electricity bills from 'andolan' days, though it had agreed to forge. Yet, they are today fleecing the people from our region," he added.

"The West Bengal government has announced that they are further opening 92 new liquor shops. Of them, 42 in Darjeeling 19 in Kalimpong and 31 in Alipurduar."