On Bihar drug crisis, opposition chorus: Look beyond prohibition

As the Bihar drug crisis intensifies, opposition parties are demanding action beyond a prohibition policy. RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has been vocal about flaws in the prohibition system, claiming that it has fostered a nexus involving government officials, law enforcement, ordinary citizens, and even children. Jha warned that Bihar could surpass Punjab in drug problems due to its proximity to Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where prohibition isn't enforced.

Cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act have surged from 697 in 2019 to 1,905 in the first five months of 2026, while seizures of narcotic tablets have risen sharply from 29,762 in 2022 to 9.29 lakh in January-May 2026. Jan Suraaj leader Kishore Kumar Munna argued that prohibition has merely changed the form of intoxicant consumption, and urged addressing poverty, inadequate employment opportunities, and shortcomings in government schools.

Lok Janshakti Party state-vice-chairman Arun Bharti echoed these concerns, linking drug abuse to the state's youth and the need for a concerted effort against addiction.

BJP spokesperson Niraj Kumar Sharma defended the prohibition policy, citing safety for women, improved health, reduced violence against women, and decreased road accidents. However, he acknowledged the need for a two-pronged strategy involving supply disruption and demand reduction. While authorities monitor routes for narcotics and conduct awareness programmes, Sharma emphasized the importance of society's participation in addressing the drug crisis.