Ranchi, Feb. 1: No state minister consumes gutka and that probably explains why none has cared to come forward to convince Ashutosh Manav and Anuj Prasad Manav to withdraw their indefinite fast demanding a ban on its sale in Jharkhand.

This could also be the reason why even the Opposition leaders who otherwise do not lose any opportunity to raise issues related to public interests have not visited the duo holding a fast-unto-death near the South Chhotanagpur Commissioner’s office since Friday.

The duo is demanding a ban on the injurious gutka, which is said to contribute significantly in causing oral cancer.

Ashutosh Manav, the convener of Lok Samiti, said they had lost hope because of the “anti-people” stance of the government at least as far as health issues were concerned. “I have no hope from the ministers formulating policies for the development of the state. They are anti-people and are least interested in the problems being faced by the people,” he said.

“I am on a fast-unto-death strike for 48 hours for the people’s cause. No politician, let alone any minister, has so far come to see me. They do not want to save the people from the tentacles of death being spread by the persons who produce, store and sell Gutka and are leading our young generation towards certain death,” he added.

Anuj Manav said: “I have given several memorandum to the chief minister and the health minister demanding ban on gutka, but they have not paid any attention to our requests and allowed the business to run in the capital to earn revenue. The state earns about Rs 7 crore from taxes, but it is unaware how much it has to spend on curing people for diseases caused by gutka.”

“Gutka is banned in Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Kerala, our government is least bothered. They want to earn money at the cost of the people’s life. While 35,000 are suffering from oral cancer after consuming gutka, our government is not interested in stopping its sale,” he added.

A high court advocate expressed concern over the attitude of the government. “The government is treading the wrong path by not imposing a ban on the sale of gutka. They should immediately ban consumption of deadly material under the provision of the Food Adulteration Prohibition Act,” the advocate said.

Anand Kumar Verma, a medical expert associated with the Indian Red Cross Society, said: “Someone who consumes gutka will find he is unable to open his mouth properly. Gutka consumers lose taste and appetite. Gradually they suffer from oral cancer.”

Sanjay Kumar Mishra, who has two sons hooked on gutka, said he would be grateful if the government wakes up to the danger and bans its sale. “I am worried. I don’t want my sons to repeat the mistakes I have made in my life.”