New Delhi, July 22 (Agency) Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi launched a scathing attack on the Kejriwal government over its liquor policy and alleged that the Delhi government has given the license to blacklisted companies by flouting excise norms. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Lekhi alleged that the “liquor policy was adopted illegally only to cheat the people of Delhi”. She said Kejriwal should give full details of this “scam” on the basis of facts. “The decisions they have taken is in violation of the rules to benefit the liquor companies which have caused loss to the public and exchequers,” she said. “On October 25, 2021, the Excise Department had given notice to those companies, which were given liquor licenses. What was the action taken in this matter?” she asked.
She further alleged that on July 14, 2022, without a cabinet note, a hasty exemption of Rs 144.36 crore was given to the same companies without following the excise norms. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has recommended CBI probe into the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s Excise Policy over violation of rules and procedural lapses.Saxena also accused Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of giving benefits to licensees without the LG’s approval. The Excise Policy was approved by the Delhi Cabinet on May 5. It is yet to be approved by the lieutenant governor. BJP has been demanding the rollback of the excise policy ever since it was implemented in the national capital alleging that AAP government is promoting alcohol in the city. Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta also slammed the AAP government and said at the time when the new liquor policy was announced, 2.5 per cent commission was given to the liquor contractors, which was increased to 12.5. “The Kejriwal government has done this to give 10 per cent benefit directly to the liquor mafia,” he said .