Party claims new pricing system may enable commissions and boost alcohol sales; ruling side yet to respond
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 1, 2026: The Indian National Congress on Saturday accused the state’s Bharatiya Janata Partygovernment of promoting policies that could increase liquor consumption and allegedly facilitate commission-based gains, charges the ruling party has not yet officially responded to.
Addressing reporters, State Congress Communications Department President Sushil Anand Shukla alleged that the government’s proposed liquor pricing mechanism could create scope for irregularities. He claimed the administration has invited tenders from liquor manufacturing companies to submit brand rates, after which the government would add its cess and print revised prices on bottles for retail sale.
According to Shukla, the government is not negotiating rates with manufacturers and instead intends to procure liquor at prices quoted by companies. He alleged that manufacturers might factor in commissions while submitting rates, resulting in higher purchase costs for the state. He contrasted this with systems in some other states where private contractors run liquor outlets and reportedly receive discounts of 40–60 percent from manufacturers.
The Congress leader further alleged that recent policy decisions contradict earlier political statements supporting prohibition. He claimed that steps such as the launch of a liquor-related mobile application and the opening of dozens of new liquor outlets indicate an expansion rather than restriction of alcohol sales. He also alleged that additional shops may be opened this year, asserting that such measures could increase consumption levels.
Shukla said that when the BJP was in opposition it spoke strongly in favour of prohibition, but after coming to power it had framed policies that, according to him, encourage liquor sales. He also claimed the number of retail counters has increased significantly following the opening of new outlets and restructuring of existing ones.
The Congress spokesperson additionally alleged a rise in illegal liquor trade and smuggling from neighbouring states, claiming that bottles without proper holograms or with counterfeit markings were being sold. He called for greater transparency and oversight in the state’s liquor distribution system.
No official statement responding to these allegations had been issued by the state government or BJP representatives at the time of publication.
