UP Liquor Prohibition Board: Chairman writes to SP workers urging all to shun liquor, cigarettes

[related-post]

“The board had little activities going on. We carry the burden of eradicating social evils and making a strong society. It is said that one should begin from his own house… so, I decided to write to our party leaders, appealing to them to discourage such habits,” Ujjawal said.

He added that the letters have already been dispatched to SP leaders in his native Baghpat and other adjoining districts. “Party leaders have given a positive response to my initiative. In Baghpat, we have organised a ‘Nasha Virodhi’ rally. We are holding several other such programmes,” he claimed.

The idea reportedly originated at a meeting attended by SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. “Netaji had asked during a party meeting, in which I was also present, about those who drink alcohol. Only one person raised his hand. Somehow, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav managed the situation by saying that he does so on medical grounds. I have decided that when leaders detest such habits, I will do my bit to eradicate them from our party,” Ujjawal said.

Ujjawal said that in his letter, he has urged that all vices, like alcohol and smoking, should be avoided as it is a drain both on the health and money. He has also stated that since Mulayam and Akhilesh do not like such habits, it should be avoided. “Once you leave these habits, one can save money and health will be better. He can devote more time to politics and even to his own business,” Ujjawal added.

Further, he has suggested that SP office-bearers should discuss the issue during routine meetings and workers should be administered pledge to shun such vices. “Leaving these bad habits should also be made a part of the party’s programme. We can include it in our cycle yatra and other awareness programmes. We have crores of workers in UP and if they live a pure and sincere life, it will help both the party and members,” said Ujjawal.