Nitish Kumar Calls for Nationwide Prohibition; #IfAlcoholWereBanned Trends on Twitter

There are numerous studies and a wealth of anecdotal evidence to suggest that prohibition doesn’t serve the purpose for which it is put into place. However, this has not stopped Indian politicians from calling for or attempting to put into place liquor bans of various types. To fulfil a poll promise made before elections by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, prohibition is now a reality in Bihar. The Bihar CM now wants a nationwide liquor ban. 

Some wishful thinking

History and research have shown that alcohol prohibition doesn’t work to solve problems such as alcoholism and domestic abuse, reduce crime and corruption. However, this doesn’t stop many from viewing it as some sort of panacea for all ills. 

Many will be very unhappy indeed

As this gif demonstrates, there would be many who would be devastated, if there were no more alcohol to be had!

Sometimes alcohol is just hugely entertaining

As this guy fumbles and flounders – we… well, we laugh!

Sometimes it is a voter bribe

As this tweet points out, alcohol has been a commonly used bribe for luring voters right before elections – by all political parties – regardless of professed ideology or level of hypocrisy.

“In vino veritas”

This Latin phrase literally means – in wine is the truth. And truth be told; alcohol does indeed prompt many to be truthful – in some cases, altogether more truthful than may be prudent.

Some practical difficulties

Honey Singh would certainly have a lot less to sing about; perhaps he would start singing bhajans: “♫ Aarti All Night, We Do Aarti All Night”? Pickup lines would change and the rituals surrounding heartbreaks would alter forever.

More practical difficulties

With a little help from alcohol, people become brave and chatty – in real life and on the internet it would seem.

Because…

…Alcohol is all about Dutch English courage isn't it!

This will be a distant memory…

…This progression of the desi drunk – who starts out saying he/she will not drink much today; and ends up ingesting an entire bottle before insisting upon driving drunk!

The unemployed Indian said this:

This berozgaar (unemployed) guy thought that the prospect of a liquor ban was as scary as demonetisation

What about the big fat Indian wedding!

Someone had a valid question – in the absence of alcohol, what would all the baraatis do! In fact one Twitterer thought that Punjabis would simply stop getting married!

What will happen to naagin dance?

Everyone does the nagin dance – or at least tries to – when they are a few drinks down, apparently.

IMHO

Liquor bans can be quite ineffectual – as prohibition in Gujarat has demonstrated over the years.

A few more

People just had a lot to say – about if #IfAlcoholWereBanned

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