BANDIPORA: Nizamuddin Bhat, Congress MLA from Bandipora, on Wednesday said that the party considers liquor as a social evil and that they will assess the contents of the proposed bill when it is formally proposed in the assembly.

Addressing reporters in Bandipora, Bhat said the bill proposed by National Conference MLA Ahsan Pardesi calling for a liquor ban is a private members' bill, rather than an official proposal from the National Conference.

"This is not a National Conference bill; it is most likely a private member's bill. It remains to be seen whether or not the bill will be passed. It is within the jurisdiction of the Speaker and the Assembly Secretariat, and they will examine it," Bhat stated.

He emphasized the private nature of the bill, saying, "First, this is not a party or government bill but a private member's bill. Second, the contents of the bill are not yet known. Third, if the bill is entertained, we will debate it accordingly."

Bhat further clarified the Congress Party's stance on the issue, explaining that liquor is viewed as a national issue, not a local one. "As far as the Congress Party is concerned, liquor is a national issue and not a local issue. Congress has always been clear about the issue, considering it a social problem and an evil," he said. He noted that the party would assess the contents of the bill when it is formally proposed and would address it at that time. "We won't cross the bridge before it's built," he added.

Regarding the upcoming budget session, Bhat said. "In the recent budget session, bill appropriation will be made with the amount of money that has been sanctioned by Parliament. The government will provide the local state revenue estimation in the assembly. We cannot comment further until the government's budget is presented," he explained.

Bhat reiterated that while the Congress Party would play its role as the opposition, they would also support the government when necessary. "We will see and take our due role as the opposition but will appreciate the government also if needed," he concluded.