Hyderabad: In the backdrop of Karnataka government’s proposal to reduce the minimum age limit for purchase and consumption of alcohol to 18 from 21, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday alleged that for short-term revenue gains, the BJP government is playing with India’s future.
The BJP-led Karnataka government, which has proposed to reduce the minimum age limit for purchase and consumption of alcohol to 18 from 21, published a draft notification on Monday and the government has sought suggestions/objections from the public within 30 days.
Taking to micro-blogging site twitter , Owaisi said 'BJP wants to increase the marriage age to 21 but reduce the minimum age for alcohol'.
Studies show higher minimum drinking age saves lives, Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP, said.
'Alcohol's a public health issue and not just about individual choice or tax revenue, he said alcohol deaths cost 1.5 percent of Indian GDP.
" If anything, involving youth in politics is essential. As I have proposed, it is time to reduce the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha elections from 25 to 20", he added. (UNI)