leader of Opposition Ajay Bhatt has alleged that Chief Minister Harish Rawat has misused his office while allocating Fl-2 license to particular person. To avoid any judicial hassles CM Rawat has called Cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.
To ascertain their claim, Bhatt also distributed documentary evidence, which he procured from the excise department through RTI, among the media person as well. He demanded Chief Minister Rawat should resign from his office and also apologise to the public.
Bhatt alleged that to facilitate the Fl-2 (whole sale) traders, State Government has issued a notification and instructed to the excise department to allow only two Fl-2 one each in Garhwal and Kumaon divisions of the state. During general election BJP had raised this issue and even lodged complaint before election commission of india. Replying to the ECI, then state government had expressed unawareness and said that BJP allegation does not have substance.
Despite enforcement of Model Code of Conduct due to recently concluded general election, CM Rawat had instructed their officials to issue notification regarding opening of two Fl-2 only in the State dated March 25, 2014. Following on the order, excise department issued notification on March 27, 2014.
Earlier, the State Government had categorically said that Fl-2 policy will be remain like last year and even they issued notification on February 28, 2014. later State Government issued notification to open one each Fl-2 centre in Dehradun of Garhwal division and Udhamsinghnagar of Kumaon division. Realising that somebody may challenge the decision so State had convened a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.
Bhatt alleged that with this decision liquor baron will establish their monopoly in the State. Earlier Fl-2 was in district wise so that wholesalers had to maintain the stock of all brands but now they will maintain the stock of their brand and consumer will not have option to buy brand as per the choice.
As CM Rawat has kept the portfolio with him so he would ask that why he took the decisionIJ How much State excise department revenue will increase with this policyIJ Bhatt alleged that State Government had made a deal with the liquor baron and now he has concrete evidence.
He further asked that CM Rawat should tell to the people that on what circumstance he took such decision during Model Code of Conduct. He took the decision without seeking prior approval from cabinet. Earlier 40 companies were working in the State and State was receiving huge revenue from license fee. Now single person will operate and people would not get an opportunity to consume liquor as per their choice.