‘Liquor As Important As Rice Plate To Raj Thackeray’, Shiv Sena Takes A Jibe

The Shiv Sena schooled Raj Thackeray saying he should know that not only wine shops but also all the liquor factories are closed due to lockdown.

Mumbai| After Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray wrote to the Chief Minister for opening the economy by allowing small restaurants and liquor shops, the Shiv Sena mocked the leader in an editorial of its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. The editorial sought to know whether Raj was really concerned about the state’s treasury.

The Shiv Sena schooled Raj Thackeray saying he should know that not only wine shops but also all the liquor factories are closed due to lockdown.

“You don’t get revenue just by starting the shops. The government gets revenue in the form of excise and sales tax when a distributor purchases the product from the factories. In order to start these units, workers are required. Besides, if the shops re-open, no social distancing will be followed,” the editorial read.

Raj Thackeray in his letter had highlighted that the liquor business provides Rs. 41.66 crore tax revenue on a daily basis to the state government. Raj said, “We’ve shut almost everything for the last 35 days and we don’t know how long it will take from here. We can think of the tax revenue we’ve lost during this time and will lose in the future.”

“When I’m telling you to open up liquor shops, it’s not because I want you to consider the plight drinkers. It’s purely for the tax revenue for the state’s treasure which has shrunk to almost nothing. The petrol pumps are shut, the dealing of lands and immovable properties have stopped,” Raj had said.

The ruling party, however, mocked the suggestions by MNS chief to open liquor shops and eateries together.

“Through his demand, he has pointed it out to the government that like food, alcohol is an essential commodity. He has given invaluable information that as a rice plate is important for people, they are also dependent on ‘quarter’ and ‘peg’,” the editorial commented.

Taking a jibe on opposition party in Maharashtra, the BJP, Shiv Sena said, “The opposition leaders should advise the government on how to improve the economic situation in times of crisis, but the leader of the opposition hasn’t been able to do so.”

The editorial further added, “Raj Thackeray has put forward the plight of the poor and the less privileged people and a section of the society will bless him for that. But the government will have to take a decision considering the overall situation.”