Union Minister Chirag Paswan has advocated for lifting Bihar’s ban on toddy, asserting that it is a natural product and should not be equated with alcohol.
His stance aligns with recent remarks by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who pledged to revoke the toddy ban if his party assumes power in 2025, highlighting the adverse impact on the Pasi community’s
The toddy ban, instituted under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act of 2016, has faced criticism for disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, particularly the Pasi, who have traditionally depended on toddy tapping for their income.
The issue has gained political traction, with leaders like Paswan emphasizing the need to distinguish toddy from other alcoholic beverages and address the socio-economic challenges arising from the ban.
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This growing consensus among political figures underscores the importance of re-evaluating the toddy ban in Bihar, considering both cultural practices and the economic well-being of communities reliant on this traditional occupation.
