NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Delhi government has opted to continue its current liquor licensing system for 2025-26 with tiered penalties for late renewals. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj has challenged BJP's CM Rekha Gupta to disclose her party's stance on liquor shop privatization. The political spat revives tensions over Delhi's excise policy, which BJP previously criticized before its rollback. The debate highlights accusations of mafia collusion between the rival parties.

Key Points: Delhi Extends Current Liquor Policy Through 2025-26 Amid BJP-AAP Feud

  • Delhi extends excise policy without framework changes
  • Renewal fees spike for delayed applications
  • AAP accuses BJP of liquor mafia ties
  • BJP previously opposed privatized liquor shops
2 min read

Delhi govt approves continuation of existing liquor policy for FY 2025-26

Delhi renews excise policy unchanged for FY25-26 as AAP challenges BJP's Rekha Gupta on liquor privatization stance.

"Rekha Gupta should clarify if BJP will privatize liquor shops—this will reveal who colludes with the mafia. — Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP"

New Delhi, June 27

The Delhi Government has approved the continuation of the existing excise duty-based licensing regime for liquor for the year 2025-26. The renewed policy will be in effect from July 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, said an official statement.

An order issued by the Excise Department of the Delhi government states that existing licenses will be renewed without any changes to the existing framework. Renewal fees will vary depending on how promptly applications are filed.

No extra fee will be charged for renewal applications submitted within 30 days. Applications delayed up to 60 days will attract a 25% additional renewal fee, it said.

Delays exceeding 60 days will incur a 100 per cent additional fee, it added.

Earlier, Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bhardwaj had challenged Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to clarify her stance on the privatisation of liquor shops under the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) upcoming excise policy.

The challenge came in response to Gupta's sharp criticism of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in Ludhiana, where she accused him of colluding with the "builder mafia" and failing to curb spurious liquor deaths in Punjab.

Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj said, "I have a direct question for her (CM Rekha Gupta). BJP objected to the Delhi Excise Policy and claimed that liquor shops had been privatised. Later, the policy was scrapped, and the shops were returned to government ownership. Rekha Gupta should clarify if she will privatize liquor shops under the new Excise Policy. This will reveal who is in collusion with the liquor mafia. She should answer this."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are our leaders always fighting about liquor policies instead of solving real issues? This political blame game between AAP and BJP is getting old. Just ensure safe alcohol and use the revenue for public welfare!
A
Aman W
The fee structure makes sense - rewards prompt applications. But I hope the government improves the licensing process online. Last time I had to make 3 trips to the excise office just for a small query. Digital India should mean something!
S
Shreya B
As a Delhi resident, I'm just happy there won't be sudden changes again. The last policy flip-flop created so much confusion! But government should use this stability period to actually improve quality checks and prevent spurious liquor.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully disagree with the decision. The government should have considered some reforms. The current system still favors big players over small vendors. Also, why no mention of measures to prevent underage drinking? 🤔
N
Neha E
All this political drama over liquor shops! Meanwhile, common people just want to buy their drinks without hassle. Hope this continuation means no more sudden shop closures like last time. The queues were crazy! 😅

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50