<p>A day after proposing mobile vans to sell liquor as a measure to counter bootlegging, Excise Minister H Nagesh retracted Thursday fearing backlash from women’s groups fighting for liquor to be prohibited. </p>.<p>“I was asked about the possibility of allowing ordering liquor online, to which I said there’s a permit system in Gujarat. I wasn’t aware of the rules fully, so I said we could look at that. There’s no proposal before the government to do so. I won’t allow that to happen. Liquor is easily available already,” Nagesh told reporters. </p>.<p>“And in hamlets occupied by tribals where bootlegging is rampant, I’ve told officials to launch a campaign. There's no proposal of starting mobile units to sell liquor,” he said. “I want to apologise to women if they are hurt by my statements.” </p>.<p>Nagesh’s retraction came amid speculation that he was taken to task by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa for announcing mobile vans that would make availability of liquor easier. “No, the CM didn’t say anything. I wanted to clarify on my own volition,” Nagesh said.</p>
<p>A day after proposing mobile vans to sell liquor as a measure to counter bootlegging, Excise Minister H Nagesh retracted Thursday fearing backlash from women’s groups fighting for liquor to be prohibited. </p>.<p>“I was asked about the possibility of allowing ordering liquor online, to which I said there’s a permit system in Gujarat. I wasn’t aware of the rules fully, so I said we could look at that. There’s no proposal before the government to do so. I won’t allow that to happen. Liquor is easily available already,” Nagesh told reporters. </p>.<p>“And in hamlets occupied by tribals where bootlegging is rampant, I’ve told officials to launch a campaign. There's no proposal of starting mobile units to sell liquor,” he said. “I want to apologise to women if they are hurt by my statements.” </p>.<p>Nagesh’s retraction came amid speculation that he was taken to task by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa for announcing mobile vans that would make availability of liquor easier. “No, the CM didn’t say anything. I wanted to clarify on my own volition,” Nagesh said.</p>
