The ruling Congress in Karnataka, led by Siddaramaiah, has decided to implement total prohibition in the State ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled to be held early next year.

It is reported that Karnataka wants to follow the ‘Bihar model’ of the Nitish Kumar-led Government in implementing prohibition measures. A team of high-ranking Govt. of Karnataka officials including those from the Prohibition Board and the Social Welfare Department met chief-minister Nitish Kumar and other Ministers of the Govt. of Bihar recently to get inputs in this regard.

The members of the team are now said to be consulting hard among themselves to put in place the modalities of total prohibition. After the consultations are over, they are likely to file a detailed report with the Govt. of Karnataka which would then initiate action based on the recommendations of the team.

It is pointed out by political observers that the move to implement total prohibition assumes huge significance as Karnataka is to elect a new Assembly early next year. The closing down of liquor-selling outlets is sure to strengthen the Congress’ vote-bank especially among women.