Patna, July 23: The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill, 2016, was introduced two years ago, resulting in the imposition of a complete ban on sale or consumption of alcohol in the state of Bihar. The bill was widely believed to be Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's biggest election promise fulfillment as Kumar had promised women in various parts of Bihar that he would bring a complete ban on liquor, whenever he comes to power. Staying true to his word, the Bihar CM introduced a strict prohibition bill, which saw many go behind the gallows for consuming or possessing the forbidden drink.

But after two years of the act, Nitish Kumar decided that it was time to amend the law, which also came to be called as "draconian", due to its harsh provision of punishment for anyone caught drinking or even just caught with a bottle. On Monday, the Bihar assembly passed, 'The Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2018.' Critics and observers are calling the new amendment bill as a "watered down" replica of the 2016 Act. The Opposition walked out of the house as the Bill was being introduced in the assembly.

But RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, did not look impressed with the amendment bill and severely criticised the Bihar Chief Minister. Talking on the fine amount, the RJD leader said that the amendment bill is a "discount for the rich." Check the tweet below:

"Even after liquor ban, people are caught with liquor stockpiles. It should have been the responsibility of the Bihar Govt to ensure security on the state borders and get hold of the factories from where liquor is being supplied", said Tejashwi, talking to news agency ANI.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2018 06:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).