Ram Mandir inauguration: ‘These’ four states declare ‘dry day’ on 22 January

In view of the grand Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, some states have declared a dry day while BJP in other states and Union Territories (UT) have been demanding a ban on sale of liquor on that day.

As per temple officials, the ceremony will be held for seven days starting from January 16. Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life.

Below is the list of such states:

Assam

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, declared January 22 to be a “dry day.” The Chief Minister said that the decisions they took in the meeting of the Assam Cabinet – Dry Day on 22nd January 2024 on the occasion of Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman, approval to Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, a new scheme to financially support rural women entrepreneurs etc. For this, large screens will be erected in several locations. The BJP workers will light up the market and surrounding areas on January 21 and 22. The state has designated January 22 as a dry day.

Chhattisgarh

The government of Chhattisgarh has decided to keep January 22nd as a “dry day.” The Chhattisgarh Excise Department has released directives to guarantee the rigorous execution of this governmental decree. As per the directive, which is based on the authority granted by sub-section (1) of Section 24 of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915, all retail stores selling domestic and imported liquor, as well as bars in restaurants, hotels, and clubs, will be closed on January 22.

Uttar Pradesh

All liquor stores in Uttar Pradesh have received instructions from the excise department not to sell alcohol on January 22. The UP State Excise Department has said that people are aware that the Pran Pratishtha ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Ram Mandir, the birthplace of Shri Ram, in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. In light of the aforementioned, it has been decided that all liquor stores in the state will be closed on January 22, 2024, in accordance with a government order.

Uttarakhand

District magistrates in Uttarakhand have been directed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to declare January 22 as a dry day for the state. Additionally, Dhami has ordered that “prasad” be distributed on January 22 in significant temples and Gurudwaras, with an emphasis on plans to provide prasad to the impoverished through public involvement. It is also recommended to add Uttarakhand’s millets to the prasad.

An investigative team has been established to keep an eye on questionable vehicles and locations in an effort to stop the illegal storage of alcohol. In addition, all district offices have been instructed to take appropriate action to stop the unlawful transportation and sale of alcohol, as have flying squads at the divisional and state levels.

BJP demands ‘dry day’ in other areas:
BJP in other states and union territories such as Jharkhand and Delhi have demanded liquor ban on Janaury 22 due to Ram Temple inauguration ceremony.