BHOPAL: The new liquor policy of the Madhya Pradesh government has come into effect from April 1. With the new liquor policy coming into effect, liquor has been banned in 19 cities in the state. The BJP-led state government announced the new liquor policy on January 25. The new liquor policy includes a complete ban on the sale and purchase of liquor in 19 cities in the state where there are places of worship.

The sale of liquor has been banned in cities like Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchhka, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Amarkantak, Salkanpur, Burman Kalan, Linga, Burman Khurd, Kundalpur and Bandakpur. According to the new policy, no wine outlets will be licensed or allowed to operate in these areas from April 1, 2025. With the new liquor policy coming into effect, 47 liquor shops in these cities have been closed.

Spiritual leaders came forward praising the government's new decision. Ramayani Kudi Ashram Mahant Ram Hriday Das praised the Madhya Pradesh government's decision. 'We welcome the government's new liquor policy. We congratulate the Madhya Pradesh government. There is an opinion that this should have been taken earlier. This is a good decision. I believe that the government will implement the new law in a proper manner,' said Hriday Das.