Congress MLA quits over inaction on liquor mafia

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Congress leader Kamal Nath

Bhopal,  A Congress legislator in Madhya Pradesh has submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Kamal Nath over inaction on liquor mafia, alleging the administration is “protecting” them.

Panchi Lal Meda, who represents Dharampuri constituency of Dhar district, told reporters on Friday that a lot of liquor shops are doing business along the banks of the Narmada, and near educational institutes.

The development has created a stir in the Madhya Pradesh government. Two ministers — Bala Bachchan and Pradhuman Singh Tomar — went to Meda’s residence and took him along to meet the Chief Minister.

Kamal Nath held a closed-door meeting with Meda and assured him that action would be taken against the erring officers.

The Chief Minister also instructed the legislator not to talk to the media.

Earlier, Meda told media persons that he demanded closure of the liquor shops in his area.

“I have been demanding the closure of these shops. But the excise department, district administration and police are patronizing the liquor contractors,” he said.

The Congress leader alleged that he was being “insulted” on the directions of liquor contractors.

“When I went to the police station to report it, I was surrounded by the contractor and others. The Superintendent of Police, on being informed, told me to leave,” he said.

Meda had alleged that he was “humiliated” by the police and “made to sit for four hours” when he went to the police station.

He said he is “pained to see that the liquor mafia are receiving patronage despite Congress coming to power in the state”.