Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], August 22 (HBTV): BJD and Congress leaders have criticized the BJP-led government in Odisha after two persons died and several others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Ganjam district. 

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Goutam Buddha Das described the incident as "unfortunate" and blamed the state government for it. 

"The incident that happened in Ganjam is unfortunate. Such a liquor tragedy occurring just two months after the new government took charge says a lot about the administration," Das said. 

He further demanded a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) probe into the hooch tragedy in Ganjam. "We raised the issue in the assembly and demanded an RDC-level inquiry into the matter," he added.

Congress MLA CS Raazen Khan reminded the BJP of its manifesto and urged the government to ban alcohol in the state. 

"Before the elections, all parties mentioned in their manifestos that they would ban liquor. Even the BJP called for an alcohol-free state in its manifesto. But when they took charge of the government, they started issuing licenses for country liquor," Khan said.

"Many people in Ganjam have died after consuming country liquor, and many are undergoing treatment. I request the government to ban country and spurious liquor and make Odisha an alcohol-free state," he added. 

Reportedly, two persons died, and many others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Odisha's Ganjam district on Wednesday.        

(ANI)