Archive · 3 Nov 2025
MP Minister Claims Bihar Liquor Home-Delivery, Accused of Harassment
A minister from Madhya Pradesh, a state in India, said in a video that even though the neighboring state of Bihar has a ban on alcohol, people can easily get it delivered to their homes by just making a phone call.
He heard this from other politicians who were visiting Bihar.
Around the same time, a journalist from the same state of Madhya Pradesh accused the minister and the local police of harassing him.
The journalist said he was reporting on illegal alcohol sales and that the minister was involved in taking money from liquor sellers.
The journalist claims he was threatened by the police, even at gunpoint, to stop his reporting.
Madhya Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi claimed liquor is easily home-delivered in Bihar, despite prohibition.
Lodhi stated that people who want to drink will always find a way, citing information from leaders campaigning in Bihar and Gujarat.
The minister's remarks, made during a live social media session, have sparked political debate.
A journalist from Damoh district accused the minister and local police of harassment for reporting on the illegal liquor trade.
The journalist alleged he was detained, threatened, and warned at gunpoint to stop publishing reports against the minister.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi and a journalist from Damoh district
- What
- The minister claimed liquor is easily home-delivered in Bihar, while a journalist accused the minister and police of harassment for reporting on illegal liquor trade.
- When
- The minister's statement was made during a live social media session; the journalist's alleged harassment occurred around October 27-31.
- Where
- The minister's statement was about Bihar and Gujarat; the journalist's alleged harassment took place in Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The minister commented on Bihar's prohibition status based on campaign information; the journalist was allegedly harassed for reporting on illegal liquor trade potentially linked to the minister.
Journalist
Minister & Police
Reporting on Illegal Liquor Trade
Journalist
The journalist claims he was reporting on illegal liquor trade and alleged the minister was taking commissions. He states he was harassed, detained, and threatened by police, including at gunpoint, to stop his reporting.
Minister & Police
The minister's statements imply a failure of prohibition in Bihar. The police's alleged actions are presented as a response to the journalist's reporting, though the motivation (silencing criticism vs. legal action) is disputed.
Nature of Minister's Statement
Journalist
The journalist's allegations of harassment stem from his reporting on issues potentially involving the minister. The minister's comments about Bihar are seen in the context of a political debate and alleged governmental shortcomings.
Minister & Police
The minister's statement regarding Bihar's prohibition and liquor delivery is presented as an observation based on information from colleagues. The subsequent controversy arises from this public comment and related allegations by the journalist.
- Minister
- Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Madhya Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister
- Claim about Bihar
- Liquor is easily available via home delivery despite prohibition.
- Minister's Rationale
- Based on accounts from leaders campaigning in Bihar.
- Journalist's Allegation
- Harassed and threatened by police and potentially the minister for reporting on illegal liquor trade.
- Incident Date (Journalist's Allegation)
- October 27 (reporting), October 31 (detention attempt)
