: The Swaraj Abhiyan on Sunday said that the Aam Aadmi Party government was “covertly siding with the liquor mafia” in Delhi. The organisation alleged that the party, which promises to make the Capital “nasha mukt”, has approved as many as 58 liquor shops during its 17-month rule.

Citing an example of Wazirpur in Kotla Mubarakpur, it claimed that a vend had been opened in the area against the demands of the locals. “The MLA of the area, Madan Lal, did not listen to the residents. The liquor shop has been opened in front of a bus stand from where children commute to their schools. Despite several letters and meetings, nothing happened,” said Ajit Jha, one of the founders of Swaraj Abhiyan.

Reply to an RTI application filed by the organisation has revealed that the Delhi government has so far spent Rs 7.76 lakh to spread awareness on the ill-effects of alcoholism and drugs. “It also indicates that the government’s revenue generation through liquor shops has doubled,” added Mr. Jha.