n The BJP on Thursday demanded an investigation into the absence of established liquor brands from the national Capital while residents are forced to buy whiskey from lesser-known distilleries in Punjab accusing the ruling party of receiving money to fund the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.
In a post on X, the BJP’s Information Technology Cell chief Amit Malviya claimed another Liquor Scam in Delhi via Punjab. “While the rest of India enjoys premium whiskey brands like Blenders Pride, Black Dog, Royal Stag, Sterling Reserve, Imperial Blue and Antiquity Blue, people in Delhi are being forced to look elsewhere for such choices—often driving to Noida or Gurgaon to buy them,” he said.
“Why is this happening? Delhi residents are instead compelled to buy: Royal Green Rich, Dennies Special, Bottoms Up Premium, Old Habbit Premium and Soulmate Blu. Shockingly, 85.4 per cent of the total whiskey sold in Delhi comes from a lesser-known distillery in Punjab.”
He accused the Delhi government of pressuring its agencies to procure liquor from distilleries in the AAP ruled state of Punjab. “The Reason: The Delhi government is reportedly pressuring its agencies to procure liquor from Punjab-based distilleries,” he said.
The senior BJP leader posed four questions to the AAP including if it is getting any kickbacks to promote the liquors of Punjab, and receiving funding for the upcoming Delhi elections, slated to be held on February 5.
“Questions: Could this be a potential scam? Is the AAP government receiving kickbacks to promote liquor from Punjab manufacturers? Why are Delhi consumers being denied access to established brands? Are Punjab distilleries funding Delhi government elections?” Malviya questioned.
He asserted that this calls for a thorough investigation. According to the Excise department data, of the top 10 whisky brands being sold in Delhi, 85.4 per cent of the sales are of Punjab-based distillers. The national Capital has reverted to its old excise policy on September 1, 2022 after the money laundering linked excise police scam, which later saw the arrest of several AAP leaders including its supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Under this policy, the excise department gives out L-1 licenses for wholesale supply of Indian liquor to a company which has a license for manufacturing of liquor. This L-1 license holder supplies liquor to vends, which are managed by Delhi government's agencies including Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd.