Over the last year and a half, Hyderabad Karnataka — the most backward region in the State — has been witnessing a movement seeking Prohibition in the State. Spearheaded by the Madhya Nisheda Andolan-Karnataka and supported by 56 organisations across the State, the movement completed a 71-day dharna (to mark 71 years of Independence) in Raichur on May 1 and ended with a mock funeral of all three major political players — the Congress, BJP and Janata Dal (Secular). Women volunteers from HK region have been the backbone of the movement, which the political class has so far avoided. Excerpts from an interview with Vidya Patil, Raichur-based convener of Madhya Nisheda Andolan-Karnataka:
Your dharna did not attract attention of political parties. How do plan to take the movement forward?
We were hoping that some party would mention Prohibition in their manifesto. Unfortunately, none has responded to our agitation.
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How have you taken the political apathy towards your movement?
It has strengthened our resolve to take the movement forward. Our members met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. When no political representatives came to meet us even after sitting for a dharna for 30 days, we went to each party office and handed over a memorandum. Despite that, our demands have not been met.
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Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Prohibition cannot be implemented in one State and should be a uniform nation-wide policy to succeed. Do you agree?
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No. If Bihar can implement it, why can’t Karnataka? There is a lobby that works against Prohibition... Alcoholism is resulting in acute health issues that has far bigger financial ramifications.
What prompted the anti-alcohol movement?
In HK region, alcohol is found even in kirana shops or pan shop apart from bars and wine stores. Being the border district, spurious liquor comes from the other side. Families are in bad condition. Some of our members have been victims of alcoholism. Men have sold whatever is available at home, including steel utensils and gadgets to drink. Indebtedness has increased. Young women have become widows.