New Delhi, Oct 27 (FN Agency) The BJP on Wednesday criticised the Kejriwal government over the opening of liquor shops under new excise policy in the National capital and alleged that the “Delhi government only wants to fill its coffers with new policy and BJP will never tolerate it.” Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday the Leader of opposition in the Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, “there were about 500 active liquor vends in Delhi whose number has now gone up to 850, which makes the intention of state government clear to make Delhi a city of liquor.” He said that earlier liquor shops used to remain open till 11 p.m. now they will be open till 3 a.m. and in such an atmosphere one can’t think of a peaceful society. “The city government only wants to fill its coffers with new policy and BJP will never tolerate it” he said. Bidhuri also appealed to the people to inform them if a new liquor shop opens in their area as the BJP MLAs will go there and oppose it. “We will force the state government to withdraw its new excise policy” he added.
Another BJP MLA Vijender Gupta alleged the way liquor shops have been allotted now most of the contracts have gone to AAP workers and sympathizers. “It also means by pushing Delhi youngsters into drinking, the Kejriwal government wants to increase its revenue so that same can be used for election purpose in other states” he said. Yogita Singh, BJP Mahila Morcha president dared the Kejriwal government, if it opened even a single new liquor shop the state mahila morcha will hit the streets and oppose it tooth and nail. “Kejriwal calls himself Ram bhakt and talks of giving security to women but is now trying to drown the entire city into liquor” she said. Earlier in March the Delhi government had approved a new excise policy. It was decided that no new liquor shops will be opened in the national capital and the government will not run any liquor shops. At present, 60 per cent liquor shops in Delhi are run by the government. Delhi Government will stop operating liquor vends from November 16 onwards. All wine shops will reopen from November 17 under private ownership. Under the policy the minimum age for consumption of liquor was also reduced from to 25 years to 21 years.