Jaipur

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday condemned the state government’s proposal to extend liquor shop timings, calling it “deeply worrying and against public interest.”

Gehlot expressed strong opposition to any move aimed at increasing the hours during which alcohol is sold. Citing media reports about potential changes in the excise policy, he said the BJP-led government’s plan ignored social and moral concerns.

“The proposal to extend liquor sale hours is extremely troubling and anti-people. We cannot support decisions that compromise public safety and morality,” Gehlot said in a statement.

He stressed that the government should refrain from actions that could endanger women or disturb public order. Recalling his tenure, Gehlot said his administration had set liquor shop closing times at 8 pm to help prevent crime.

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“Selling alcohol late into the night increases risks of criminal activity and insecurity, particularly for women. That’s why we had fixed the closing time at 8 pm,” he added.