‘Real liquor scam’: Holi axed from Delhi ‘dry day’ list, sparking debate
Today is Holi, and bars and liquor stores across Delhi are open after the government axed the festival from a list of dry days. But the move has been slammed by the Aam Aadmi Party, who warn “the real liquor scam has now begun”.
It is standard for major religious and national holidays to be scheduled as ‘dry days’ in Delhi, meaning alcohol sales are banned to uphold public order and safety. This uno-reverse by the BJP-led administration, therefore, is a rare move.
The decision was communicated in an excise notice in January which confirmed that wine and spirit outlets across the National Capital Territory will operate as usual on Holi. Officials hope the relaxation of rules will help the excise department recover revenue it was losing to neighbouring cities like Gurgaon and Noida, while also curbing illegal liquor sales.
But the move has drawn sharp criticism. On Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP-led Delhi government of fuelling a “real liquor scam” by allowing alcohol shops to remain open on Holi.
Accusations of double standards
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia said the move was aimed at boosting revenue. In a post on X, he said: “The real liquor scam in Delhi has now begun. By keeping liquor shops open even on Holi, the Delhi government has given open permission to earn crores of rupees on a festival day. Does even a single ED or CBI officer have the courage to ask questions about this scam?”
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Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the government as well. Sharing the excise department’s order, he alleged that the BJP had previously attacked AAP over its liquor policy but was now taking a contradictory stance. He said the decision exposed what he described as the ruling party’s “fake Hindutva face” and accused it of having defamed AAP leaders in the past over similar issues.
Future dry days
Authorities have made clear that retailers must continue to follow all licensing rules, including strict age verification for customers.
Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami and Mahir Jayanti will still be observed as dry days in Delhi.
The ban applies to all licensed vendors across the city, including shops, bars and clubs, with limited exemption for some hotels.
All licensees must display dry day notices at their venues, and the excise department has warned that violations of the ban will have legal consequences.
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