Excise Policy: Smriti Irani Lambasts Delhi Govt, Claims Liquor Stores Opened Close To Gurdwaras & School

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has moved out of liquor sales in Delhi, licensing out 849 liquor vends to private firms through open tendering under its new excise policy.

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New Delhi: Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani on Friday came down heavily on Kejriwal government's new excise policy, saying it was shocking that liquor vends were opened near schools and religious places in Delhi.

Addressing a virtual rally organised by the Delhi BJP, Smriti Irani targetted the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying "the leader, who talked of Swaraj and wrote in his book about picketing liquor shops and shutting them down, was now exploring opportunities to open liquor shops in each ward", news agency PTI reported.

The Union Minister said that BJP is determined to continue its protest against the new excise policy till it is withdrawn by the Kejriwal government.

"The Kejriwal government has given a message to the society that it is ready to go to any length for profit. I want to ask the AAP government who will be answerable for the families that will be destroyed in this quest for profit," she said.

She further remarked that civil society should ponder whether the money earned through the sale of liquor will suit the work of welfare and development.

She claimed that liquor stores were opened close to gurdwaras in Tilak Nagar, another was opened near a school in Shahdara. The locals in Mandawali had frequent altercations due to a liquor store in their neighbourhood, the BJP leader added, as reported by PTI.

According to the Women and Child Development Minister, liquor vends also jeopardised safety of women. 

"Arvind Kejriwal opened liquor stores, proved he can go to any limits for profit. I'd ask all brothers here, imagine a sister passing by a liquor store hoping for respect and safety every day. Kejriwal is responsible for her struggle," Smriti Irani said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

"You will find a liquor store in the middle of two gurudwaras in Tilak Nagar. Religion has a decorum that has been violated by Kejriwal government... and then he promises a 'nasha-mukt' Punjab," she added.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has moved out of liquor sales in Delhi, licensing out 849 liquor vends to private firms through open tendering under its new excise policy. So far, over 550 liquor stores have been opened in many parts of the city while the rest are coming up.

Notably, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta had on Thursday warned that the liquor stores near schools and religious places will be sealed after 48 hours if the Delhi government failed to shut them down.

The municipal corporations of Delhi ruled by BJP have closed down several liquor shops over alleged violations of Master Plan and other norms, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is yet to respond to the allegations levelled by Smriti Irani.

(With Agency Inputs)