Odisha govt planning to ban liquor like Gujarat and Bihar, says minister

The newly-elected BJP government in Odisha is exploring a phased liquor ban to tackle alcohol addiction, according to Social Security Minister Nityananda Gond. He highlighted plans to follow other states like Gujarat and Bihar in gradually reducing liquor sales, aiming for a liquor-free Odisha in the future. The government also intends to combat drug use to promote public health, amidst recent debunking of rumors regarding an imminent statewide liquor ban.