In a major announcement that has sparked statewide discussion, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said that if the INDIA bloc forms the government in Bihar, toddy — a traditional palm drink — will be exempted from the state’s prohibition laws.

Addressing a packed rally in Parsa, Saran district, Yadav said the existing prohibition policy has hurt livelihoods, especially those of the Nariyal and Tadi (palm) communities, whose daily earnings depend on the sale of toddy. He clarified that the move was not to encourage alcohol consumption but to protect the rights and traditions of the working class.

“Toddy is not alcohol; it is a natural drink that has been part of Bihar’s culture for generations. Our aim is not to promote liquor but to stop the harassment of poor workers and palm tappers,” Tejashwi Yadav said during his speech.

The RJD leader also criticized the current Nitish Kumar-led government for implementing the prohibition law “without a proper rehabilitation and livelihood plan,” which, according to him, has led to widespread misuse of the law and unnecessary arrests of the poor.

“Prohibition has become a tool of exploitation. Instead of catching liquor mafias, the government is arresting innocent workers. When we form the government, we’ll ensure that toddy is treated as a livelihood product, not a crime,” he added.

This statement comes on the same day the Mahagathbandhan released its 32-page manifesto titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran”, which outlines several welfare schemes including ₹25 lakh free health insurance, jobs for one member of every family, and ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women under the Mai-Behin Maan Yojana.

Tejashwi’s promise to lift the toddy ban has been met with mixed reactions — while sections of rural Bihar, especially traditional palm tappers, have welcomed the announcement, opposition parties have accused the RJD leader of using “cultural sentiment” for electoral gains.