Delhi Liquor Gate : Explained

Understanding the Delhi Liquor Policy and the CBI Investigation of AAP Leaders

On 14th April 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in connection with an alleged scam related to the Delhi Liquor Policy. Now the CBI also summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the same case.

So, what exactly is the Delhi Liquor Policy and why is it under investigation by the CBI? Let's take a closer look.

The Delhi Liquor Policy was introduced in 2021 by the Delhi government, with the aim of controlling the sale and consumption of alcohol in the national capital. Under the policy, the government capped the number of liquor shops in Delhi and restricted the sale of liquor to only those shops that had been issued licenses by the government.

The policy was initially praised for its efforts to curb the sale of illicit liquor and prevent the consumption of alcohol by minors. However, it soon came under criticism from various quarters for allegedly favoring certain liquor vendors and for creating a monopoly in the liquor business.

The alleged scam related to the Delhi Liquor Policy came to light in March 2023, when a whistle-blower leaked a series of documents that purportedly showed how some AAP leaders had received kickbacks from certain liquor vendors in exchange for favorable treatment under the policy.

The CBI was subsequently called in to investigate the matter, leading to the arrest of Manish Sisodia and the summoning of Arvind Kejriwal. Both leaders have denied any wrongdoing and have accused the CBI of being politically motivated.

The CBI investigation into the Delhi Liquor Policy has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the policy itself. Critics have argued that the policy was flawed from the start and that it provided a breeding ground for corruption and malpractice.

However, supporters of the policy have pointed out that it was a much-needed step to tackle the problem of illicit liquor and underage drinking in Delhi, and that the alleged scam involving AAP leaders does not necessarily invalidate the policy itself.

As of now, the investigation into the Delhi Liquor Policy is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. The case has once again highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in India's political system, particularly when it comes to issues as sensitive as the sale and consumption of alcohol