Gandhiji’s Logo On Liquour Packets Triggers Row In Odisha

Nuapada: At a time when the whole country is celebrating the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, logo of his iconic glasses with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan label found printed on the packets of country-made liquor in Boden block of Nuapada district drew condemnation from all quarters.

Locals, intellectuals and women in the area expressed resentment over such error and termed it utter disrespect towards the Father of the Nation, who was the torchbearer of the fight against alcohol consumption.

Several social organizations have now come out to protest and have sought immediate government action.

“I urge the 5T secretary to look into the issue or else we will intensify our protests in coming days,” said Kamal Charan Tandi, a local resident.

“While we are leaving no stone unturned to curb sale and consumption of alcohol, it is very sad to see Gandhiji’s logo on liquor packets, said another resident, Mamata Manjari Thapa.

When asked about the matter, Nuapada Excise SP, Nalini Kumar Behera initially clarified that he does not have any idea about the matter; however, he later claimed “Gandhiji’s logo might have been printed on the packets to create awareness about the swachhata (cleanliness) without any intention of disrespect.”