A political controversy has surfaced in Delhi, following the government’s decision to exclude Holi from the dry days list. This alteration permits liquor shops to operate during the festival, a move that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has labeled as the “real liquor scam.” An order issued by the excise department in January confirms that liquor stores will be allowed to function throughout Holi, sparking strong criticism from AAP officials who assert that the ruling by the BJP-led government demonstrates hypocrisy.

Excise Department Confirms Dry Days Policy

A senior official from the excise department confirmed that Holi will not be designated as a dry day this year. According to the January directive, only certain days, including Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti, will be recognized as dry days until the end of March. In prior years, Holi was included among the days when alcohol sales were prohibited in the national capital.

Number of Liquor Shops in Operation

AAP Accuses Government of “Real Liquor Scam”

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticized the Delhi government for its decision to keep liquor shops open on Holi. In a statement, he expressed that the government is allowing businesses to profit significantly on this festive occasion. Sisodia questioned the central agencies, asking whether any officers from the Enforcement Directorate or the Central Bureau of Investigation would dare to address this situation.

Claims of Hypocrisy from AAP

Saurabh Bharadwaj, another prominent AAP member, accused the BJP of double standards regarding liquor policy. He referred to past instances where the BJP had publicly condemned the AAP government over liquor issues. He articulated that the current administration’s actions reflect its true nature concerning liquor sales, showcasing a significant deviation from its earlier stance.

Reference to Previous Festivals

Bharadwaj further pointed out that the government has permitted liquor sales during other festivals, such as Chhath Mahaparv and Ravidas Jayanti, and now Holi. He raised concerns regarding public safety, questioning whether Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is responsible for safeguarding citizens from potential disturbances that may arise from alcohol consumption during the festivities.

Reopening Political Debate on Liquor Regulations

This decision has reignited political discussions surrounding liquor regulations in the national capital, an area that has led to significant confrontations between the BJP and AAP in the past. While the government insists that the policy aligns with its January notification, the opposition is keen to leverage this issue as a political battleground leading up to Holi. They frame the government’s actions as a departure from its prior practices and a contradiction of previously held positions regarding liquor sales.

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