BJP MP Pragya Thakur accuses party MLA of illegally running liquor shop
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Bhopal: Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bhopal, has alleged that BJP legislator Sudesh Rai is operating an illegal liquor shop in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, raising concerns about the safety of women and girls in the area.
Thakur, who was denied renomination from Bhopal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, has called for Rai's removal from the MLA post.
During a visit to her constituency, Thakur claimed that girls approached her at Khajuria Kala, expressing distress about a liquor outlet operating in front of their school. She stated, "The girls were sad and teary-eyed, they complained that people gather at the liquor shop, make comments on them. They told me they are not safe, and anything can happen to them."
Thakur asserted that the illegal liquor outlet in Khajuria Kala Bangla is allegedly run by BJP MLA Sudesh Rai. She demanded Rai's expulsion from his post, emphasizing that individuals involved in such misconduct should not be part of the party.
The BJP MP informed authorities about the situation and urged the suspension of excise department officials. Thakur argued that it was an illegal liquor shop, as a license cannot be issued for such an establishment in front of a school. She expressed disappointment that an 'adarsh gram' (model village) last year allowed the presence of a liquor shop.
Thakur accused the police and excise departments of collusion, claiming that the district collector assured her the shop was closed a year ago, but the issue persisted. She, along with the girls, reportedly entered the shop, found a significant quantity of liquor, and filmed the incident.
Responding to Thakur's allegations, MLA Sudesh Rai suggested that the media should investigate the truth and obtain information from the district collector. He refrained from making specific comments, stating, "I don't want to make a comment as she is a sadhvi, though I have things to say. She can make any allegation…you (the media) should probe, I can lie."
