Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan 28: Sanjay Raut, leader of the Shiv Sena, claimed on Friday that the Maharashtra government’s plan to allow wine sales in supermarkets and walk-in stores will treble farmers’ revenue.
“Wine is not liquor. If wine sale increases, farmers will get benefit from it. We’ve done this to double farmers’ income,” said Sanjay Raut.
Sanjay Raut also hit out at the opposition BJP for slamming the Uddhav Thackeray-led government’s decision. “BJP only opposes but does nothing for farmers,” Sanjay Raut said.
Notably, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a proposal on Thursday to enable the sale of wine at supermarkets and walk-in stores, claiming that it will help fruit-based wineries generate additional revenue for farmers.
The “shelf-in-shop” method can be used by supermarkets and businesses that have a square footage of 1,000 square feet or more and are registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, according to a statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Supermarkets near places of worship and educational institutions, on the other hand, will not be allowed to sell wine. Wine sales will also be prohibited in areas where liquor prohibition is in effect.
However, the BJP has slammed the decision and alleged that the state government is promoting consumption of liquor.
“We will not allow Maharashtra to become a Madya-rashtra,” said former chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.
