Assam CM announces 2 AM closing for wine shops, later retracts statement

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma found himself at the centre of controversy after initially announcing that wine shops would remain open until 2 AM, only to retract his statement later.

The announcement came during a press conference in Dibrugarh following the weekly cabinet meeting, where the CM detailed the state's decision to allow 24/7 operations for shops and establishments in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar municipal areas. 

As per the new policy, businesses along state highways in municipal zones can remain open until 2 AM, while those in districts and minor roads, excluding municipal corporations and national highways, can operate until 11 PM.

However, what caught immediate public attention was his remark that liquor shops, which were previously open until 10 PM, would now be allowed to operate until 2 AM. 

Media houses quickly picked up on this, making the statement go viral, while a section of society criticized the move, citing concerns over law and order.

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Sarma was swift to respond, taking to his X handle to issue a clarification. “Now shops can operate 24x7 in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, with extended timings in other areas, without compromising on worker rights and conveniences! P.S. – This decision is not applicable for liquor shops and bars. The government has decided to extend operating hours for shops and establishments, but this extension does not apply to liquor stores and bars,” he wrote.

The clarification has put an end to speculations, but the episode has highlighted how statements from top leaders can quickly escalate into public debates, requiring prompt damage control.

Meanwhile, Assam Congress took a snapshot against the CM and wrote, "What kind of cabinet decision is this? In the name of the cabinet decision, CM @himantabiswa is pushing his personal agendas, starting from inquiry against @GauravGogoiAsm Ji's spouse to keeping wine shops open till 2 AM.