Gandhians have not taken kindly to the Chhattisgarh government’s initiative in allowing a state-run liquor firm to use the name of the Mahatma in curtailing alcohol consumption.

State Beverages Corporation Ltd will use the image and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi in this endeavour. The state government in an official statement said the idea was to use Gandhi as the ‘brand ambassador’ during the campaign.

However, the Gandhians are not happy at this.

“The state’s focus is on regulation and not prohibition. This is an insult to the beliefs of Gandhiji, who advocated prohibition,” said justice Chandra-shekhar Dharmadhikari.

Kanak Tiwari, an expert on the Constitution, said: “As a Gandhian, I find this highly objectionable. Did Gandhiji ever suggest slowly withdrawing from liquor?”

The government, however, is convinced about the move.

“Mahatma Gandhi will remain an inspiration,” said Ganesh Shankar Mishra, managing director of the State Beverages Corporation Limited.