Bilaspur: A Chhattisgarh BJP MLA has advised that use of bhang and hashish be inspired as alternate options to liquor, claiming individuals addicted to those substances hardly commit crimes like rape, homicide and dacoity.

The assertion made by legislator Dr Krishnamurti Bandhi on Saturday triggered a row with the ruling Congress questioning how a public consultant can promote habit.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stated if the MLA needs ganja to be legalised within the nation, then he ought to put forth the demand earlier than the BJP-led central authorities.

The sale and consumption of hashish is banned underneath provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, whereas that of bhang, an edible combination made utilizing leaves of the hashish plant, is permitted underneath legislation, in response to official.

To a question concerning the Congress’s ballot promise of liquor ban in Chhattisgarh, Bandhi whereas speaking to reporters in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district stated, “We have earlier raised the issue in the state Assembly and it will again be raised on July 27 as discussion on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition BJP (against the state government) is scheduled that day.”

“It is my personal opinion and once I had discussed it in the Assembly in the past. I had told that somewhere alcohol is the reason for rape, murder and quarrel, but I asked (in the House) tell me whether a person who consumes bhang has ever committed rape, murder and dacoity?” he stated.

To meet the habit requirement and to ban liquor, a committee has been constituted (within the state), stated the MLA from Masturi Assembly constituency.

“The committee should think how we can move ahead towards bhang and ganja (cannabis). If people want addiction, then they should be served such stuff which does not result in murder, rape and other offences. It is my personal opinion,” he stated.

Asked concerning the MLA’s feedback, CM Baghel on Sunday stated habit in any kind is just not good.

He additionally took a dig on the BJP legislator, saying if he needs ganja to be legalised within the nation, then he ought to make the demand with the Centre.

“…When central agencies are roaming in Mumbai to seize 10 gram ganja, its (BJP) senior leader is saying ganja should be consumed. Ganja is banned and he should first demand its government at the Centre to allow it (if he wants its consumption). See, addiction in any form is not good,” the CM advised reporters on the airport in Raipur after getting back from Delhi.

Congress’s Bilaspur district unit spokesperson Abhay Narayan Rai stated how can Bandhi, who’s a three-time MLA and former state well being minister, give such a press release to advertise habit as an alternative of suggesting methods to free society of it.

“The option to addiction cannot be addiction. Such immature ideas are unacceptable in a civilised society,” Rai stated.