Lucknow sources have stated that an Uttar Pradesh Minister, Swati Singh, appears to be inaugurating a beer bar, in the presence of senior officials. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has demanded an explanation. The "Be the Beer" bar opened on May 20 in state capital Lucknow. Mr. Singh, the Minister in charge of Women's Welfare, Family and Child Welfare in the UP government, is seen cutting the ribbon and posing with what appears to be the menu card.
Meanwhile an Indian Police Service (IPS) couple Unnao Superintendent of Police Neha Pandey and her husband Gaurav Singh, a Rae Bareli police officer were also present. They have also been asked for an explanation. An official spokesman said the photos were widely shared, stated that "The Chief Minister has taken cognizance of the minister inaugurating a beer bar in the presence of senior officers and has asked her to clarify her stand".
Currently the photos have been seized by the opposition for a new
offensive against the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government. Samajwadi Party
spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said "This aptly shows the contradictions
in the ruling BJP. They say one thing, but practice something else".
Moreover Mr. Chaudhary said what the minister did was particularly offensive at a time "women in Uttar Pradesh are at the forefront of protests against liquor". It is said that a woman is the owner of the outlet and the minister was there to promote entrepreneurship among women.
