Tue Aug 26 16:29:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Madhya Pradesh Congress Leader’s Alcohol Consumption Claims Spark Political Firestorm**

**Bhopal, India – August 26, 2025** – A controversial statement made by Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Jitu Patwari has ignited a fierce political battle in Madhya Pradesh. Patwari alleged on Monday that women in the state consume more alcohol and drugs than anywhere else in India, blaming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to curb substance abuse.

“We have gotten a medal that women in M.P. consume the most amount of alcohol in the country,” Patwari stated, accusing the BJP government of inaction. “Now our sisters and daughters have started taking drugs. The situation has become such that intoxication among women in M.P. is the highest in the country.”

The BJP swiftly condemned Patwari’s remarks as an insult to the women of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav demanded Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge apologize and remove Patwari from his post. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called the comments an example of the Congress’s “petty and disgusting anti-women mentality.” They further cited reports suggesting high alcohol consumption in the Congress-ruled state of Telangana.

Patwari has refused to retract his statement, asserting his right to raise public issues and accusing the BJP of promoting liquor sales. He cited data from the National Family and Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) to support his claims, highlighting a rise in alcohol consumption among women in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh.

The controversy underscores the increasingly charged political atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh, with both parties trading accusations over issues of governance and social welfare. The debate is likely to continue, impacting the state’s political landscape.

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Here’s a short summary of the material:

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari claimed women in the state consume more alcohol and drugs than anywhere else in India, sparking a political backlash. The BJP condemned his remarks as insulting and demanded an apology. Patwari stood by his statement, citing data and accusing the BJP of promoting liquor sales.

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