Pune: Alcohol Still Being Sold Near Temples in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge Alleges Foul Play in Maharashtra Assembly

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Mumbai, 11th July 2025: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Bhosari, Mahesh Landge, on Friday raised concerns during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, alleging that liquor continues to be sold within the premises of housing societies and near temples in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Landge claimed that while these establishments had been sealed earlier, some senior officials reissued permits, allowing the shops to reopen. He demanded action from the government, prompting Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar to assure the House that instructions had already been given and action would follow.

MLAs Sudhir Mungantiwar (Ballarpur) and Atul Bhatkalkar (Kandivali) also expressed their views during what turned into a heated discussion on the state’s liquor prohibition policy.

Mahesh Landge stated, “In Pimpri-Chinchwad, liquor shops located in residential societies and near temples were sealed. However, they have reopened with the permission of certain senior officials. If they approve such shops, then permission should also be granted near their own homes. The law needs to be amended. Without strict implementation, a healthy society cannot be built.”

He further accused Sudhir Mungantiwar of not fulfilling promises made during the last demolition drive. Landge also suggested that the law requiring 50% of village votes to enforce a liquor ban should be revised, proposing that if 75% vote in favor of a ban, the prohibition should be enacted automatically.

In response, Minister Ashish Shelar clarified that while Maharashtra is not a dry state, there are laws regulating the sale and consumption of liquor. “The issue lies in the enforcement of the Prohibition Act. There are strict penalties for public consumption and misconduct, including imprisonment. Action must be taken under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1950 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita of 2023 against those endangering public health and social order,” he said.

Following the debate, Sudhir Mungantiwar withdrew his proposed amendment bill to the Prohibition Act, and the House passed the resolution by majority vote.

Shelar also emphasized the need for broader reforms, pointing out that there has been little change in regulations surrounding permit rooms, bars, and drinking permissions in the past 40–50 years. “Alcohol should not be consumed in public spaces, religious sites, housing societies, or historic forts. Stricter penalties must be enforced,” he added.

He concluded by stating, “The government is committed to holding a comprehensive discussion on amending the Prohibition Act. Punishments for public drunkenness will be enhanced, and a committee of MLAs will be formed to enforce laws effectively, including provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The committee’s tenure will be six months.”