The AAP on Monday criticized the Delhi administration for keeping liquor shops open during the Chhath Mahaparv, calling it an insult to the Purvanchali community.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that during his party’s governance, liquor shops remained closed on Chhath as a mark of respect for the festival.
He conducted inspections at several liquor shops across the city on Monday and found them operational despite the holy festival. He stated that while the shops were open, they had no customers, suggesting that people were respecting the festival’s sanctity.
The AAP leader recalled that previous governments had declared Chhath Puja as a dry day, prohibiting liquor sales across the city. He expressed concern that allowing liquor sales during the festival could lead to disturbances near the Chhath ghats and create unsafe conditions for women and children.
When contacted, officials from the Delhi government’s excise department stated that all existing regulations regarding dry days are being followed, but declined to comment specifically on the Chhath Puja arrangements.
The festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, is particularly significant for the Purvanchali community. Devotees observe strict purity rituals during the four-day festival, which concludes with offerings made at water bodies.