Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani has ignited a fresh political storm in Gujarat by publicly accusing senior ministers and police officials of turning a blind eye to an alleged drug and liquor nexus thriving in the state. Speaking during the Congress&rsquo;s Jan Aakrosh Yatra in north Gujarat, Mevani said the so-called &ldquo;dry state&rdquo; had become a hub of illicit liquor and narcotics, claiming the trade flourishes with political and administrative protection.
The confrontation escalated after Mevani reprimanded police officials at the Tharad superintendent&rsquo;s office for allegedly ignoring a woman&rsquo;s repeated complaints against local bootleggers. A video of the encounter went viral, amplifying his charge that &ldquo;prohibition in Gujarat exists only on paper&rdquo; and that real accountability must begin with the &ldquo;ministers and officers shielding the trade.&rdquo;
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who also heads the home department, swiftly countered the allegations, accusing Mevani of theatrics and misinformation. Senior police officials echoed Sanghavi&rsquo;s stance, asserting that strict action is routinely taken against liquor and drug networks. The BJP dismissed the Congress MLA&rsquo;s claims as &ldquo;politically motivated and baseless,&rdquo; framing the clash as an attempt to stay relevant.
Mevani, however, has doubled down, demanding an independent inquiry into the alleged nexus and stronger enforcement of prohibition laws. His remarks have sparked rallies by both supporters and opponents across the region, sharpening political divisions.&nbsp;

Liquor–Drug Row Sends Gujarat Politics Spiralling

Congress MLA links ministers, police to drug nexus; BJP hits back amid rising tensions

Liquor–Drug Row Sends Gujarat Politics Spiralling

Congress MLA links ministers, police to drug nexus; BJP hits back amid rising tensions

December 8, 2025 | 15:08 IST