Day 490

 

I think these days I’m getting inclined to historical facts a bit. Actually, since I wrote my last post, an urge of exploring more historical things has increased in me. Well, Indian history is full of many facts and rumours. I think there are many rumours and stories being spread to hide few facts. Just like I wrote in my last post about the possible treasure at Jaigarh Fort. Till date, its very unclear about the outcome of the raid conducted by the Income tax department along with police and army. Movement of heavy trucks on the national highway from Jaipur to New Delhi is also unexplainable. Anyway, I don’t want to continue the last post. Today, I’m going to write on some new historical fact.

Indian history is full of invasions. From time to time, many foreign invaders have invaded India. It’s a long list of invaders. Few of them, stayed here and became ruler of India. Rest of them had looted India and have take numerous treasures back with them. One of those invaders who looted India was Bakhtiyar Khilji. Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked Nalanda in 1193 A.D. and it resulted in gruesome massacre and destruction of its library. Actually, Nalanda was a seat of knowledge. It was known as Nalanda Mahavira or Nalanda University. Actually, Mahavira means Buddhist monetary where a teacher teaches his students. According to Chinese traveller, Hieun Tsang, who came to India in 7^th century, in Nalanda Mahavira there were 10,000 monks and 1510 teachers. At that time, mathematics, grammar, Buddhism, philosophy, astronomy were the subjects which were been taught at Nalanda. No fees were been collected from the students studying here.

Here a question arises that why did Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked Nalanda University? Neither it was a seat of power nor it was a place to save any treasure. This is the thing which is out of my understanding. It’s said that Bakhtiyar Khilji ordered to burn the library of Nalanda University. Its also said that the entire library took three months to get completely burned. Its also said that the library was the biggest library in the world at that time and around 90,000 books were stored in that library. As we know that Buddhism has always followed the principle of non-violence. Still, on the order of Bakhtiyar Khilji, his army killed Buddhist monks and other students staying at Nalanda University.  

It’s said that students from China, Turkey, Persia, Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka used to come to Nalanda to study. But its so sad to know that Bakhtiyar Khilji ordered destruction of a centre of knowledge. In my view, it’s the most condemnable attack. I don’t think this to be a bravery act which is showed in the battle field. In this attack, at one side, ruthless and cruel invaders loaded with weapons were there against unarmed Buddhist monks and students. This invasion couldn’t be named as invasion because whenever there is an invasion then it’s considered that both sides had armies. But in case of Nalanda invasion, only Khilji had an army. Actually, in my view, this should be a barbaric act of Khilji but unfortunately, in history books, its known as Khilji invasion of Nalanda.

Well, there is a story behind this cruel attack of Khilji over Nalanda. It’s said that Khilji was very ill at one point of time. He was under the care of his personal physicians and he took a lot of medicines but there wasn’t any improvement in his health. With due passage of time, it got detoriated. Then Khilji was suggested to get treatment from Rahul Sri Bhadra, the principal of Nalanda Mahavira at that time. It’s said that Khilji wasn’t ready to get treatment from any non-Muslim physician. Initially, Khilji refused the suggestion of getting treatment from Rahul Sri Bhadra. But his health got more detoriated. At last, he agreed. Rahul Sri Bhadra was called and he examined Khilji. After the physical examination, Khilji put his condition that Khilji won’t have any medicine given by Rahul Sri Bhadra. Actually, the reason behind this condition was that Khilji wanted to test Rahul Sri Bhadra and Khilji humiliated the knowledge of Hindus as he thought that Hindus weren’t intellectual like Muslims. Rahul Sri Bhadra agreed to this condition of Khilji and he told Khilji that he won’t give him any medicine.

Rahul Sri Bhadra gave a copy of Quran to Khilji and told him to read few pages of Quran every day. Within a month, Khilji’s health improved. He was surprised that how he got healthy. Then it was revealed that Rahul Sri Bhadra had medicated the pages of Quran and hence the medicine had reached Khilji. Khilji was surprised to know this. He felt jealousy and insecurity that how a non-Muslim is more intelligent and intellectual than his Muslim scholars and physicians. To take revenge of this, Khilji decided to destroy the source of that knowledge which made Rahul Sri Bhadra such knowledgeable. Well, the library of Nalanda University was the source of knowledge of Rahul Sri Bhadra and many scholars like him and the scholars living in Nalanda University. Nalanda University had world’s largest library at that point of time. It was known as Dharamganj. Dharamganj comprised of three multistorey buildings. It’s said that the library had the collection of about 90 lakhs books. So, just to take revenge, Khilji decided to attack Nalanda University to destroy everything there.

Khilji’s army brutally massacred the monks and scholars residing at the university. Many scholars are believed to be burned alive. Khilji didn’t stopped here. He ordered to burn the entire library of the Nalanda University. It’s said that library took three months to completely burn down. Many manuscripts were in the original form.

Well, I think the attack of Nalanda by Khilji is nothing else but a personal ego issue. According to Khilji, non-Muslims weren’t equal to Muslims, forget being more knowledgeable or experienced. If this wasn’t the case, then why would he order the attack on Nalanda University? It was a place of learning, where Buddhist monks and scholars were staying with students. Nalanda University wasn’t a military school where army warfare was taught. It was a centre of knowledge, philosophy and religious studies. What type of bravery did Khilji showed by killing unarmed scholars and students?

The gruesome massacre at Nalanda was just a personal revenge of Khilji against non-Muslims. It was nothing more than egoistic win of Khilji. This is what I believe. But in our history text books, Khilji is portrayed as a glorified invader who invaded India and took its treasure with him. But the true history behind the Nalanda attack by Khilji isn’t mentioned in any history books. Irony is that a railway station in Bihar has been named in Khilji’s honour as Bhaktiyarpur Junction. To visit the ruins of the Nalanda University, one has to deboard the train at this Junction. Isn’t it sad that we are still using the name of a brutal, cruel invader for naming the railway station? I feel very sad.

 

Day 489

 

I know that there has been a gap since I wrote my last post. Actually, I wasn’t having idea to write about. So, I spent my time in my business and doing some research work. Actually, there are few facts in our Indian history that aren’t taught in our school text books. Well, I was going through a series of videos which were about Rajputana kingdoms. Now, it’s known to all of us that all the Rajputana kingdoms have been merged in Union of India by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel after partition.

But one video caught my attention. The video was about Jaigarh Fort and its alleged connection with Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi. Jaigarh Fort was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1726 in Jaipur. It was built just 15 kms from Jaipur. It’s also said that this fort was built for the protection of Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort. It can be said that it was like a security post for Amer Fort that’s why Jaigarh Fort is 400 meters high from Amer Fort. But the main interesting fact which is related with Nahargarh Fort is the use of military power by Indian government during Emergency rule.

It’s true that Rajputana kingdoms had made a lot of forts in Rajasthan during their time periods. Many of them have perished with due course of time and few are still telling us the glorious history of the Rajputana kings and their times. But I think Jaigarh Fort is one of the mysterious Forts in India. Well, it’s a known fact that Raja Man Singh I was brother of Jodha Bai. We all know that Jodha Bai was wife of Mughal emperor, Akbar. So, in this way, Raja Man Singh I and Akbar were related to each other. Akbar always believed the military skills of Raja Man Singh I. So; it was obvious that Raja Man Singh I became one of the generals in Akbar’s army. It was said that Raja Man Singh I never got defeated in any battle. So, wherever Raja Man Singh I won the battle, that area came under Mughal control.

Now comes the interesting historic fact. I can’t say it to be fully true. It’s because this historic fact gave the birth to a mystery which is unsolved till date. Well, in 1581, Akbar sent Raja Man Singh I to Afghanistan tribes because Akbar wished to conquer Afghanistan also. Raja Man Singh I went to Afghanistan and fought with the local tribes and conquered them. It is said that he looted tons of gold and treasure from those tribes. But he didn’t tell anything about this treasure to Akbar. No one except Raja Man Singh I and his army knew about this treasure. The treasure was supposed to be buried in Amer Fort by Raja Man Singh I. with the passage of time, this treasure remained hidden from the world. But the rumour about the treasure never died. After Mughals, British government was ruling the Indian sub-continent. At that time also, Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort were thoroughly searched. But Britisher were empty handed.

Now let’s come to the modern Indian history. In 1975, Raja Man Singh II was the king and his wife, Mrs Gayatri Devi was the queen. At that time, Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. Although, Gayatri Devi and Indira Gandhi had studied together in Shanti Niketan established by Rabindra Nath Tagore. But both of them never had normal relations with each other. In 1962, Gayatri Devi defeated Congress candidate Sharda Devi for Jaipur seat of Lok Sabha. Gayatri Devi was very popular amongst her masses. On the other hand, Indira Gandhi never supported the system of princely privileges been given to the former princely states who signed the treaty to be merged with Union of India. We all know that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel has given these privileges to all the princely states while signing the merger treaty with Union of India. But Indira Gandhi was never happy with Privy Purse enjoyed by these Princely States.

Actually, Privy Purse referred to an amount being given by the Indian government to the royal families of the erstwhile princely states. Well, the amount was paid to the royal families in exchange of giving their rights of ruling. The amount varied from state to state. But the amount was given by the Indian government which was bearing a burden on exchequer. So, in 1971, Indira Gandhi passed 26^th Amendment to the Constitution of India, which totally abolished the Privy Purse. After abolition of Privy Purse, all the erstwhile ruler families became common men in India. There were legal cases against this amendment but there wasn’t much effect of that.

After that, came the Emergency period in India. Although, the legends of Jaigarh Ford never died and with passage of time it carried on. Even Indira Gandhi was aware of this legend. Emergency rule gave unchecked authorities to Indira Gandhi. During Emergency, she locked up almost entire opposition leaders in different prisons across the country. In this time, Gayatri Devi was locked up in Tihar prison in Delhi. So, it was a nice opportunity to start the treasure hunt at Jaigarh Fort. In 1976, a joint team of income tax officers along with local police and a unit of army raided the Jaigarh Fort and started excavation. Questions were raised about raiding Jaigarh Fort because the legendary treasure was supposed to be in Amer Fort. The logic behind this raid was that Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort were connected by a tunnel. But during the raid, Jaigarh Fort was totally ransacked. Emergency was in force and local curfew was imposed near Jaigarh Fort to prevent the spread the news of the raid.

But it’s a rumour that the national highway connecting Jaipur to Delhi was closed for a day for normal traffic. Its also rumoured that a large convey of military trucks were seen on the national highway from Jaipur to New Delhi. But there is solid evidence to prove these rumours. Actually, still there are a lot of questions regarding the treasure of Raja Man Singh I. Indira Gandhi made a public statement that only 230 kg of silver and silver artifacts were recovered from the Jaigarh Fort. Then where the remaining tons of gold and jewellery went? Why Military unit was used for a raid of Income tax officials? Police force was enough to supervise the raid and evacuation of the treasure. Mystery still continues to embraces the treasure of Raja Man Singh I.

Well, till date no one knows where the treasure is lying. A theory says that a large amount of the treasure was used to build Jaipur city. Second theory says that the recovered treasure was sent to Switzerland by airplanes. Actually, Switzerland banks are famous for keeping the black money of the political leaders worldwide. But what is the truth is still a mystery.

Day 488

 

I know there has been a gap again since my last post. Well, I was doing some research work for my post so it took some time. But when I finally decided to write the post, I lost the interest in the topic. Well, this has happened with me for the first time since I have started writing post on the blog. I always try to have some basic research about the facts and figures on which I want to write. This time also, I did the same. But unfortunately, I lost the interest in that.

So, finally, I decided to write something extempore. Actually, writing extempore is something which doesn’t requires any research. Its totally on your mood about what to write and how to write. I think that extempore method makes your brain to work more. In little time, with limited time and words, one has to present the maximum output. But I get stuck when after a point, all the ideas get exhausted while writing. Actually, this is the factor which doesn’t allow me to continue further while writing a post when I decide to have extempore writing.

Today, I was thinking to give the final touch to the topic which was in my mind. But don’t know why, I deleted all the things and started afresh. It can be said that I wasn’t satisfied with the entire work so I just deleted the entire writing. It’s true that I took time and put some effort to make my post enjoyable for my readers but when I don’t feel satisfied then I don’t hesitate in deleting the work. It doesn’t matter about how much time and energy I have put in writing. The thing which matters the most to me is that it should be enjoyable to my readers.

You can say that this is the reason due to which I take time in doing research and analysis. In addition to this, the whole presentation should be enjoyable to the readers. If any of these criteria is missing then I don’t post it. I don’t hesitate in deleting the entire post. But I don’t think that you people care a little bit. Actually, I have written several times asking for feedback. Unfortunately, I haven’t received any feedback yet.

Frankly speaking, I don’t need any flattering feedback. I admire that feedback which will indicate about like or dislike of content, writing and facts. Till yet, I haven’t received any such feedback. But I haven’t lost the hope. One day, I’ll start having comments. Actually, feedbacks are like direction pointers. Feedbacks helps in creative writing.  

Day 487

I know that I have been absent for few days since I last wrote my post. Well, this time was taken just because I was doing some analysis. I know I wrote about Sri Lankan crisis. Actually, I was doing detail research about this crisis. So, this is the explanation about my being absent from writing the post.

In the last post, I wrote that how gradually with time, China has increased its debt trap in Sri Lanka. There were many economic deals made between both the countries but only China is gaining much from those deals and Sri Lanka is going downwards. I wonder how Sri Lankan government failed to see this basic thing that China is going to exploit Sri Lanka economically? Is it a sign of economic slavery for Sri Lanka? Is China going to rule Sri Lanka economically in future? I’m afraid that it’s also possible that Sri Lanka can be used against India in future. Who knows what are the real intentions of China? But I’m afraid that China will make its military and naval base in Sri Lanka against India? Geographically speaking, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are other neighbouring countries of India along with China.

China had already invaded Pakistan in name of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). Although, the progress of CPEC is negligible today but it can be used against India. Sri Lanka is in same scenario. Actually, I’m taking you all in not so far in past. Well, after 1962 Indo – Chinese war, when Chinese military invaded Indian territory, I think Chinese hunger for encroaching neighbouring countries territories and including those territories into its own has increased. Maybe, this is the reason why China is investing heavily in economically weak countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India has always been a huge market for China so instead of giving debts to India, China has always created products according to the Indian market. But, since, Mr Narendra Modi became Indian Prime Minister and he requested Indians to boycott Chinese products then the demand of Chinese products have gone down resulting loss for Chinese companies in thousands of crores. This had shaken the Chinese economy to an extent.

Hambantota port has become exclusive port for Chinese products in Sri Lanka. All the Chinese consignments unloaded at this port is exempted from the taxes by the Sri Lankan government. This means Sri Lanka government can’t have a single penny from the products arriving or leaving Hambantota port but Chinese government will have full profit from the sell or transfer of goods from this port. I’m unable to understand why Sri Lankan government agreed to such a one directional agreement? According to me, there may be two reasons behind this. Either Sri Lankan government officials or ministers got big cheque from China or Sri Lankan government gave Hambantota port to China in exchange of some default payments. I don’t know what’s the real truth behind this. But it was said that Hambantota port could be used as a military base. There was protest against this in Sri Lanka. Officially, India and America raised their concerns about the Chinese interference in Hambantota port which could result in clash of interest between China with India and America. Sri Lankan government transferred 85 per cent of assets of Hambantota port to the Chinese company along with giving the port on lease for 99 years.

Actually, borrowing from China to repay old debts became headache for Sri Lankan government. Instead of gaining from the investment, Sri Lankan government got more trapped in the Chinese dept. Hence, the present situation is the result of all the mistakes like Hambantota port. People don’t have much options left to them. Today, Sri Lanka is facing acute shortage of fuel, food, electricity, gas cylinder, medicine and milk. People are forced to wait in long queues for these basic commodities. In a civilised society, its hard to imagine to live in 13 hours non supply of electricity in a day. Due to shortage of fuel, Sri Lankan army has been deployed at every fuel station.

Actually, I was really shocked when I came to know that one kilo of rice is costing about 200 Sri Lankan rupees. Likewise, 400 ml milk is 800 Sri Lankan rupees and a gas cylinder used for cooking is costing 4200 Sri Lankan rupees. Its hard to imagine the life with such high prices for the essential products. Survival has become the toughest problem there. Situation like this will definitely lead to the revolt from the public. Although, Sri Lankan President has imposed national emergency to stop the suspected protest from the public again. Previously, one public protest has taken place which resulted in imposing curfew along with the national emergency. Later on, curfew was removed by the government. I think its clear that ban on the social media comes along with the emergency.

I just hope that soon the Sri Lankan government will come with some solution. I think asking for bail out from the international community is the only option left in front of them. But they have to be cautious with the Chinese help in future. Actually, China’s debt has already become a huge headache for Sri Lanka. I just hope that the Sri Lankan government doesn’t repeat its past mistake. Sri Lankan government has to formulate a plan for getting out of this economic crisis. It will take time but it has to do something. Actually, Sri Lanka’s dependency on imported items had made the situation a bit more complex. So, keeping these things in mind a new road map has to be formulated.

Day 486

 

In my last post, I wrote about the situation in Chinese economic invasion in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Actually, Chinese government has taken full advantage of political differences between India and Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Actually, the rivalry between India and Pakistan is world known. India has always proved that Pakistan is the heaven for all the terrorists operating against India as well as to the most wanted criminals of India. I don’t want to write more on that because you are aware of that.

Actually, relation with Sri Lanka has always been sweet and bitter with the time line. But after the LTTE issue, the friendly relation between India and Sri Lanka has somewhat become sour. This started in 1980s when the political difference between India and Sri Lanka started to have a downfall. Visit of Indian Prime Minister, Mr Rajiv Gandhi, in 1989 was to restore normalcy between both countries. But the attack on Indian Prime Minister during the guard of honour was the prove of dislike amongst the Sri Lanka people. Actually, this all was due to LTTE. The fight between Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils has always been a bloody clash between the two groups.  

Well, China started using advantage of this political difference between India and Sri Lanka. China started helping Sri Lanka in constructing bridges, highways, railways, ports, airports and various other infrastructure projects. I wonder how does the Sri Lankan politicians ignored the simple fact that whatever project China was financing in Sri Lanka was for economic profit for China only and not for Sri Lanka. Today, the situation has arisen that there is no much employment for the native Sri Lankan in all these projects where as China is earning millions of dollars while just investing in these projects. I don’t think that all this would have happened until the ruling leaders of Sri Lanka were highly misguided or were heavily bribed.

Actually, I was watching news channels and suddenly I stopped to a news channel. The reporter was showing the current situation in Colombo. There was long queue for the cooking gas cylinders and the price of one LPG gas cylinders was 2650 Sri Lankan currency. I was shocked to hear the price. Then in the next clip, the reporter showed the coverage in night. It was hard to differentiate because no street lights were turned on. At the petrol pumps, long queues were again visible for petrol and diesel. In short, everywhere the situation was the same. People have to struggle for the basic things while high rise in prices have forced them to starve now.

How this situation arose suddenly? What made Sri Lankan government to bow down before China? Why China infiltrated Sri Lanka so deeply economically? Well, these are the things which are coming into my mind again and again. At one side, China got huge liberal duty exemptions from infrastructure projects and on the other side local people of Sri Lanka weren’t getting much employment neither Chinese investment were giving any chance of foreign revenue generation.

At the current situation, all the 26 ministers have resigned from the cabinet ministry. This proves that political leaders have simply gave up from their duties. I think not only China is to be blamed for the current scenario in Sri Lanka. Actually, I think while China was expanding its economic wings in Sri Lanka then the political bosses sitting in power gallery of Colombo must have enjoyed huge economic benefits. Well, I don’t hesitate in saying that ten percent blame goes to the Sri Lanka government also. without getting permission from the Sri Lanka government, China couldn’t have gained so much control in Hambantota port and Colombo port city project.

Day 485

 

I know that I have been absent again for couple of days. Well, I was busy in setting my new business. Anyway, I thought to write something today. But what to write was again the main issue. Actually, a lot of things are happening in our neighbouring countries. Well, the situation of both the neighbouring countries is almost similar and the cause of their current situation is exactly the same. Yes, I’m talking about Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

As you all know that Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, had dissolved the Pakistani parliament ahead of the voting for No Confidence motion against his government. In my view, this is a strategic move been made by Imran Khan to save his government and to have general election once again so that he can come to power again. But the opposition parties in Pakistan are going to their supreme court against this move of Imran Khan. Actually, the reason for this No Confidence motion against Imran Khan government is increasing inflation, increasing foreign debts on Pakistan, closure of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, not receiving funds from American administration and various other things. According to media reports, Imran Khan still thinks that he has got some popularity amongst Pakistani voters which is sufficient for him to get back into power. I don’t know how much is it true or what’s there in mind of Imran Khan? Actually, I’m least bothered about this because Pakistani history is full of seizure of power of democratically elected government by the Pakistani army. So, it’s not getting me that much curiosity.

Sri Lanka is on verge of domestic violence again. But this time, its due to inflation, power cuts, shortage of fuels and many other socio economic and political reasons. Actually, I think it’s for the first time, I have seen so much problem in Sri Lanka. Although, India has sent fuel and food grains to Sri Lanka and has promised to extend help in future also but the main thing which is disturbing me is that how these situations arose in Sri Lanka? What are those factors which lead the present scenario to pop up? Although curfew has been imposed in Sri Lanka but still all the 26 ministers have submitted their resignations to Sri Lankan President. Sri Lankan people have now come out in protests across the nation.

Well, the scenario in Sri Lanka is much worse than Pakistan. Actually, China has invested heavily in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In my view, it’s a diplomatic move made by the Chinese government to lock India from two sides along with having a regular income from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We all are aware that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a free passage for China to have direct access to Gwadar port in Pakistan. Likewise, China has invested in Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and acquirement of land for Colombo port project worked as a boon for China. Actually, India was a huge market for China. But China wanted to expand its economic front close to India to counter the rising Indian economy. Choosing Pakistan and Sri Lanka was part of its strategy where it can have more access to economic front as well as to have military base also. Situation in Sri Lanka is result of this strategy only.

 

 

 

Day 484

 

Well, today I thought that I have to be absent from posting any post. Actually, I wasn’t having any topic in my mind to write today. So, I was in frustration. I was going through news channels. Suddenly, a news article caught my attention. It was a part of speech which Mr Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, gave yesterday in the Bihar Legislative Council. Mr Kumar was saying that if a person, who is still consuming alcohol is not an Indian. Along with that Mr Kumar has called such persons as a great sinner and most irresponsible person.

Actually, Mr Kumar made an anti-alcohol rule in Bihar which came in effect from 1^st April,2016. Actually, this rule was made to fulfil Mr Kumar’s political promises which he had done during the Bihar assembly elections in 2015. To get maximum number of seats to form the government, he wanted his maximum candidates to win the election. For this he made political promise that he will ban alcohol in entire Bihar if he forms the government again. He won the election and after formation of the government, he fulfilled his political promise. Although, nobody was expecting him to take this decision because everyone was thinking that he won’t fulfil his political promise. But he did it without seeing its far fetch consequences.

Now since the ban of alcohol in Bihar, till date, not a single day has passed when we haven’t heard about the news of alcohol being found in different parts of the state. Trucks, lorries and other vehicles are being caught and seized by the Bihar police in cooperation of Excise Department of Bihar Government. But still, ban on alcohol hasn’t been 100% successful. Bulk of alcohol consignment is seized and arrests have also been made. Many alcohol smugglers have been arrested and put in the court. Then also, the supply is still on. I don’t understand that how the alcohol loaded vehicles are entering the state. How the excise department at the border isn’t able to seize those vehicles at the border itself? Why the vehicles are been seized when they have entered the state? I think Mr Nitish Kumar should investigate this first before making any statement.

Mr Nitish Kumar gave strict orders that the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police will be answerable for their districts. If any amount of alcohol is been seized in any district, then District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police will have to explain about the entry of alcohol in their district. If possible then they would be transferred from their posts. so, Mr Nitish Kumar should himself resign from his post because as a Chief Minister, he had failed to block the entry of liquor in his state. Actually, initially, there was a clause in the anti-liquor bill that if anyone or group of people are being caught consuming liquor then the whole house will be sealed and the family members have to vacant the premises. Now, which type of law is this? In my view, it’s a barbaric law in modern age.

Actually, I think Mr Nitish Kumar has made this law in very much hurry. He just wanted to prove that he is man of his words. Well, this is a very rare phenomenon in Indian politics where a politician really sticks to his or her words. Otherwise, we have a long list of politicians who have said something but later on they have taken U turn from their statements. How can we forget Mr Arvind Kejriwal, who used to vow on his children’s head that he won’t have coalition with either Congress or BJP? But after election, he went to both parties for coalition. Before formation of Jharkhand from Bihar, Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav, gave a statement that Jharkhand will be formed over his dead body. Jharkhand has celebrated its 21^st foundation day in November 2021 and Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav is still alive. May God give him a long and healthy life. I was just saying that politicians always take U turn from their statements and later on they say that their previous statement was presented in wrong angle. Well, that’s not an issue with me because there is a long history where politicians have taken U turn. Today, I’m not writing on that topic.

Well, its true that officially Bihar is now a dry state but unofficially liquor is available at higher price. Actually, these days, instead of nabbing criminals, police are busy in arresting those who have consumed alcohol or are involved in manufacturing and distribution. Recently, Mr Nitish Kumar got a severe comment from Supreme Court. Supreme Court was really angry with the anti-liquor law because it was formulated in hurry without knowing its long affect on the courts also. Frankly speaking, there are 23 judges in Patna High Court but 16 judges were busy in executing cases related to liquor laws. So, there had again been amendments in the anti-liquor law. But I don’t think that it will have any affect.

Since the enforcement of the anti-liquor law, there is loss of revenue to state exchequer. But still, liquor is available in black market. So, whose profit is this? State exchequer or black marketers? What other steps Mr Nitish Kumar took for getting revenue to the state exchequer in lieu of liquor? Why still no companies are interested in opening their production units in Bihar? What measures Mr Nitish Kumar is taking to promote tourism in Bihar? Actually, with the ban of liquor in Bihar, the tourism industry also got a huge impact due to this. Well, I think if Mr Nitish Kumar had made a complete roadmap before imposing ban on liquor, then it would have been more beneficiary for the state exchequer.