In a historic move, the Madhya Pradesh government has officially banned liquor in 17 religious cities and gram panchayats, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Maihar, effective April 1.

The decision, approved by the state Cabinet on January 24 in Maheshwar, aims to uphold the sanctity of these spiritual hubs.

Welcoming the move, religious leaders like Mahant Ram Hriday Das and Padma Shri BK Jain praised CM Mohan Yadav for this "right decision at the right time."

Mahamandleshwar Shanti Swaroopanand Ji Maharaj emphasized that Ujjain, home to Mahakal and one of the sacred 'Saptapuris,' should also be declared a 'Pavitra Teerth' with a complete ban on liquor and meat.

As Madhya Pradesh takes a bold step toward preserving its cultural and religious heritage, calls are growing for other states, including Uttar Pradesh, to follow suit.

Will this initiative set a national precedent? Time will tell.