With the Assembly elections fast approaching, hundreds of protesters, mostly women, who commenced a 71-day dharna here demanding complete Prohibition, took the agitation to a new level by holding a mock funeral of all political parties after they failed to include the issue of total Prohibition in their election manifesto and burnt liquor-filled bottles, on Tuesday. The protesters, under the banner of Madya Nisheda Andolana, had launched the dharna near Mahatma Gandhi statue in Raichur on February 20, 2018. Hundreds of women and other activists of the organisations took part in it.
Highlighting the hardship that has been caused by alcoholism to many middle class families from all communities, the protesters demanded that all political parties include total Prohibition to protect the dignity and self-respect of women, who were facing social insults over their husbands’ alcoholic habits. However, no political parties showed their interest in the issue. Hence, they concluded the 71-day dharna with a funeral of the parties.
Several prominent activists, including theatre personality Prasanna, and Medha Patkar, extended their support to the protest and demanded a complete ban on sale of liquor.
“We will launch a protest against liquor sale again and demand complete Prohibition shortly after the election results,” Vidya Patil, who runs an NGO, said.
“This is just the beginning. We will come out with more strength in coming days,” Abhay Kumar, leader, Madhya Nisheda Andolona, said.
Suvarna Bhat, Syed Hafizulla, Mokshamma, Neelamma, Vidya Patil and others participated.
