328 New Wine Shop Licenses Issued; Strong Opposition from Awhad

After nearly 50 years, the Maharashtra government has approved 328 new wine shop licenses across the state. The aim is to boost the economy and help women’s self-help groups through the Ladki Bahin Yojana. However, this decision has sparked controversy. NCP leader Dr. Jitendra Awhad strongly opposed the move, calling it a major step toward increasing alcohol consumption. He criticized the government for encouraging liquor sales instead of banning it like before. According to Awhad, these licenses—being sold at crores of rupees—will benefit 47 private companies. He demanded a public disclosure of these companies and their owners. He also questioned how licenses were distributed without any production fees or transparency. Awhad compared this to the Congress-led prohibition in the 1970s and urged the government to rethink the policy. The licenses are being distributed in 15 zones, with Thane being the first.