Gujarat BJP MLA calls for opium use openly, sparks controversy
Updated: May 20th, 2025
While the state government is running special campaigns to curb the menace of alcohol and drugs in Gujarat, a BJP MLA is seemingly encouraging opium addiction and pushing for its licence, as per reports.
BJP MLA from Chotila, Shamji Chauhan, encouraged opium users during a religious event held in Gadhada, Botad. He openly advised addicts to demand licenses from the government.
Chauhan even told addicts to gather in numbers and protest, saying, “If 500 people come together, the government will be forced to issue licenses.” He reportedly said that if the government does not provide opium licenses, they will not let BJP win the Surendranagar seat.
The BJP MLA’s actions appear to openly promote drug use. His public demand for opium licenses has sparked controversy and put the government in a difficult position.
Notably, rural areas of Surendranagar and Saurashtra are prone to opium use in social gatherings, as per reports. Addiction to opium has taken deep root in these regions. Observing this, the BJP MLA has now gone so far as to demand that opium should be permitted with a license, just like alcohol.
Also read:
