New Delhi : Strained relations with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and ongoing investigations by Delhi Police into the Delhi Excise dept, has apparently pressured Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal enough. The Delhi govt today announced taking down of the current liquor regime and a revert to the old policy.
The new Excise Policy 2021-22, extended twice after March 31 for two months each, is due to expire on 31 July. The draft policy however is yet to reach the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval.
Meanwhile, the standoff between the Centre and Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) worsened last week with the Lt. Governor recommending a CBI probe into the Delhi Excise Policy holding Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in-charge of the exise department, accountable. The probe was reportedly prompted on reports that accused Sidsodia of extending out-of-the way benefits to liquor vendors in return for ‘kickbacks’ and commission.
AAP decried the allegation as false. However, amid tensions between Lt. Governor and Kejriwal thickening, the govt has reverted to the old regime on excise as its current policy nears expiry. The u-turn to old regiime will see closure of 468 private liquor outlets on Monday.
