Name liquor after women to boost sales: BJP minister

Mumbai: State water resources and irrigation minister Girish Mahajan’s suggestion on Sunday to the liquor industry to give their brands women’s names, instead of men’s, got him into a mess as criticism started pouring in from all quarters for his alleged sexist comments. The minister apparently made the comment while answering the concerns of the liquor industry of sales not being good despite the presence of distilleries in the state. Mr Mahajan was speaking at an event organised by a sugar factory in Nandurbar district.

Referring to the names of existing brands of liquor as Bobby and Julie to the amusement of the audience, Mr Mahajan said as the liquor is marketed under the name Maharaja, sales are low. If the industry wanted the sales to increase they should name the
brand as “Maharani,” he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader further said that tobacco products like ‘zarda’ were also sold under the names of women like Suman, Kamal and hence their sales are soaring. “If you try this method your sales will definitely increase,” said Mr Mahajan to peals of laughter from the audience.

Nationalist Congress Party spokesman Nawab Malik slammed Mr Mahajan’s statement, calling it a “huge insult to women’s dignity.”

“It is a most irresponsible statement which shows his attitude towards women. The chief minister should take action against Mr Mahajan for bringing women’s prestige into disrepute,” he said.