Madhya Pradesh Imposes Liquor Ban In 19 Religious Sites, Including Ujjain And Omkareshwar

The Madhya Pradesh government has officially enforced a liquor ban in 19 religious sites across the state from 1 April.

Under this policy, the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited in these locations, and no liquor shops will be allowed to operate, as reported by ANI.

The prohibition applies to one municipal corporation, six municipal councils, six city councils, and six gram panchayats.

The affected locations include prominent pilgrimage sites such as Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Amarkantak, along with gram panchayat regions of Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd, and Linga.

BJP leader Anil Firojiya welcomed the decision, expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to our esteemed Chief Minister and his entire cabinet for making such a commendable decision. Ujjain is a sacred city, and for years, the public and saints have been demanding a liquor ban. Now that the Chief Minister has issued this order, I am extremely grateful to him,” he said.

The ban ensures that all liquor shops in these religious towns are shut down.

However, personal alcohol consumption within private residences remains unaffected.

Drinking in public places will be strictly prohibited, with violators facing legal consequences.

A unique aspect of the ban relates to Ujjain’s famous Kaal Bhairav Temple, where devotees traditionally offer liquor to the deity.

While liquor sales around the temple will cease, devotees will still be allowed to bring alcohol for ritualistic offerings.

“There is no restriction for the deity, but the sale of liquor will be prohibited,” clarified Firojiya.

Khandwa MP Gyaneshwar Patil also praised the move, stating, “The complete prohibition of alcohol in Madhya Pradesh’s religious places is a commendable step. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple attracts numerous devotees. Unfortunately, some visitors used to consume alcohol, which not only hurt religious sentiments but also led to criminal incidents.”

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