Returning to our policy proves its success,” Says Raghubar Das on Jharkhand’s New Excise Rules
Jamshedpur: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Raghubar Das on Saturday asserted that the state government’s recent move to base its new excise policy on the 2018 model formulated during the BJP regime is a tacit admission of its success and superiority.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Agrico, Das said, “The Jharkhand Excise (Settlement and Operation of Shops for Retail Sale of Liquor) Rules 2025 clearly acknowledge that the 2018 liquor policy introduced by our government was practical, revenue-friendly, and in the larger public interest.”
Highlighting the policy’s success, he pointed out that the state’s liquor revenue jumped from ₹1,082 crore in 2018 to ₹2,009 crore in 2019-20—an indicator of the foresight and effectiveness of the BJP’s strategy. He added that despite altering the policy twice after assuming power, the Hemant Soren-led government ultimately had to return to the BJP’s blueprint.
Das accused the present government of damaging the state’s image and causing significant revenue loss through “selfish and disorganized” policy changes. Quoting from the government’s own findings, he highlighted systemic issues such as the unavailability of popular liquor brands, overpricing, sales underreporting, audit lapses, and negligence by shopkeepers.
Calling the situation “unfortunate,” Das said, “Policies were drafted ignoring public interest, and the state paid the price. Now that the government is returning to the 2018 policy, it must ensure strict enforcement to see any real benefit.”
Concluding his address, the former CM emphasized that good governance requires clarity of vision and a commitment to public welfare. “Our government maintained transparency and worked with a clear objective. The current government lacks both, which remains its greatest weakness,” he added.
