AAP liquor policy hypocritical, says Swaraj Abhiyan

The Swaraj Abhiyan on Saturday slammed the Delhi government for its "hypocrisy" on the liquor policy and granting licences in large numbers to drinking establishments.

Addressing a press conference here, the Abhiyan's National Working Committee member Yogendra Yadav said that the AAP has, in last two years, issued 399 new liquor licenses while spending only a "petty" amount of Rs 16,000 on de-addiction drives and programmes.

He also alleged that only one de-addiction centre has been opened by the AAP which had promised in its manifesto that it will make Delhi alcohol-free.

"For a party which came to power with the promise of reducing alcoholism through people's participation, the figure of 399 is surprising to say the least," Yadav said.

He accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of indulging in "manufactured confrontation" with both Lt Governor Najeeb Jung or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just so he could divert the issue and doesn't have to deliver on his promises.

Swaraj Abhiyan has been demanding the closing down of 11 liquor shops in specific locations in Delhi, saying that the proximity of these shops to institutions like schools makes them illegal. It also said that Section 24 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, which stipulates that local residents be consulted before an establishment starts serving alcohol n the area, gets violated all the time.

Yadav demanded that the AAP issue a 'White Paper' on its liquor policy, shut down these 11 liquor stores, and ensure participation of women in discussions before a liquor store is opened in the area, among others.

--IANS

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