The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a sharp protest against the Delhi government’s recent decision to introduce a system for booking liquor from home. During a press conference, AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj condemned the initiative, describing it as an attempt to make alcohol accessible at every doorstep while simultaneously neglecting the city’s more pressing administrative and public health challenges.
Addressing reporters, Bharadwaj characterized the policy with the slogan "Har-Har Rekha, Ghar-Ghar Theka," suggesting that the government is overly focused on ensuring the availability of liquor. He contrasted this policy focus with the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in Delhi, noting that patients undergoing dialysis at hospitals often spend hours in long queues for medication, and citizens frequently face delays when attempting to secure essential certificates at Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices.
The AAP leader specifically targeted the current administration’s priorities, alleging that while the government has mobilized resources to streamline liquor distribution, it has remained indifferent to residents struggling with bureaucratic hurdles. Bharadwaj also referenced concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision process, claiming that a significant portion of Delhi's population has faced difficulties with voter registration, further highlighting what he described as the government’s misplaced priorities.
Furthermore, Bharadwaj criticized the government regarding the status of bus travel facilities for women, alleging that the previous scheme had been discontinued and replaced with a process requiring "Pink Cards." He stated that many women have been waiting in queues for days to process these cards, yet their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the current leadership. He argued that the state has shown a lack of concern for citizens seeking basic services, in stark contrast to the efforts being made to facilitate the home delivery of alcohol.
In light of these grievances, the Aam Aadmi Party has issued a firm 24-hour ultimatum to the Delhi government. Bharadwaj stated that if the home liquor delivery policy is not formally withdrawn within this timeframe, the party will intensify its opposition and formally demand the resignation of Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The party has indicated that it holds the minister responsible for the implementation of the scheme.
Should the government fail to act within the stipulated window, the Aam Aadmi Party has pledged to launch what it described as a "massive movement" across the capital. Bharadwaj warned that the party would not allow the current administration to function normally if the policy remains in effect. He added that the government must withdraw the scheme and issue an apology to the women of Delhi for the systemic oversights the party alleges have occurred during their tenure.
The announcement underscores growing political tensions regarding public policy and governance in the capital, particularly concerning the balance between commercial initiatives and the provision of social services. As the 24-hour deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with the opposition party signaling a readiness to escalate its protest tactics should its demands for the withdrawal of the liquor delivery policy go unheeded by the government.
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