Shimla, Aug. 28 -- The decision of the ruling Congress to reintroduce lotteries is more dangerous than drugs, leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said on Thursday, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Congress continued to trade barbs over the issue. The state government has decided to introduce lotteries, including a Diwali bumper draw, after a gap of 27 years to tide over fiscal challenges.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the decision, saying, "Buying a lottery ticket will be voluntary. No one will be compelled to participate. A lottery is purely a game of chance." He also assured that the government would consider the issues raised by the Opposition in its representations.

Former chief minister and leader...