Hundreds of Muslim women took to the streets of Kolkata advocating for a society free from the clutches of liquor, lottery, usury, and bribery. The march, organized by the Welfare Party of India (WPI), aimed to address the alarming rise in commodity prices, poverty, and unemployment, leading to an increasing trend of youth falling prey to gambling and alcoholism.
The Muslim women, accompanied by their children and carrying flags, took part in a large procession to express their concerns. They chanted slogans calling for a ‘liquor-lottery-free India.’ The demonstration attracted a diverse crowd, including farmers, workers, educators, students, and young people.
Yasmina Parveen, a demonstrator, marching with her son in Budge Budge, stated, “I couldn’t remain silent at home amidst the growing liquor trade in Bengal. Hence, I decided to take to the streets to protest.”
Dr. Kasem Rasool Ilyas, Central President of the Welfare Party of India, while talking to the media said, “The resounding opposition against alcohol emerging from Bengal’s soil will reverberate across the nation in the days ahead.”
Sarwar Hasan, State General Secretary of WPI, said, “Eliminating alcohol, usury, bribery, and lottery from the country is imperative. We anticipate the government taking necessary action against these vices.”
Among the march’s attendees were Welfare Party of India’s Central General Secretary, Suvramani Arumugam, Seema Mohsin, former Central President Dr. Mujtaba Farooq, Central Committee member Shafiq Madani, Workers’ Union representative Fitur Joseph John, Central Vice President Dr. Raisuddin, and various state leaders, including President Mirza Nurul Hasan, women leader Rahina Khatun, youth leader Arman Ali, and Monturam Halder, along with other organization workers and supporters.
