Debate Heats Up Over Toddy Classification in Bihar

Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan argued for toddy to be classified as a natural product rather than liquor, in response to Tejashwi Yadav's RJD campaign promise. Yadav pledged to remove the prohibition law affecting the Pasi community, traditionally engaged in toddy-tapping.

Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan emphasized on Monday that toddy should be recognized as a natural product and not categorized as liquor, which is banned in Bihar.

Paswan's statement came in response to Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav's election promise to legalize toddy-tapping if the RJD gains power in the upcoming state assembly elections.

Yadav highlighted that the prohibition law adversely impacts the Pasi community, which relies on toddy-tapping for their livelihood, and vowed to revoke the ban, noting their lack of alternative skills or land for agriculture.