Suryakant Dhasmana slams BJP Government for turning ‘Devbhoomi’ into a “Liquor State”
Suryakant Dhasmana slams BJP Government for turning ‘Devbhoomi’ into a “Liquor State”
Dehradun, Dec 9
Senior Vice President of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee Suryakant Dhasmana has accused the state BJP government of transforming Uttarakhand into a “Liquor State.” He alleged that the government has handed over the excise department into the hands of liquor mafias, leading to unchecked profiteering through overrating of liquor prices and the exploitation of the people.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Dhasmana said that while the BJP had promised in its election manifesto to gradually move Uttarakhand towards prohibition, it has instead opened liquor shops at every nook and corner, turning “Devbhoomi” into a hub of alcohol consumption. He revealed that 65 new foreign liquor shops have already been opened in Dehradun, with 50 more in the pipeline. He further alleged that these licenses are being granted in bulk in exchange for hefty bribes.
Dhasmana further charged that liquor prices are being overrated across the state. An additional Rs.5 are being charged per quarter, Rs10 per half, and Rs.20 per bottle, resulting in illegal earnings of Rs.25 crore every month. He said the monthly sale includes 3.5 lakh cases of country liquor, 4 lakh cases of foreign liquor, and 4 lakh cases of beer.
The Senior Congress leader alleged that a liquor mafia from Uttar Pradesh, protected by BJP government officials, is running the entire Excise Department. He claimed that this mafia controls the postings of excise officers and dictates every aspect of the liquor policy. Furthermore, he accused the mafia of extorting huge amounts from contractors under the pretext of license renewals.
Dhasmana urged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to Immediately stop the overrating of liquor prices at liquor shops, take strict action against mafias illegally interfering in the Excise Department and bring transparency in the liquor policy and halt the opening of new liquor shops across the state.
Suryakant Dhasmana warned that if the state government fail to curb the exploitation of the people and take action against the Liquor mafias which ia havinga free run in the state, Congress will take to the streets and expose the BJP government’s real face to the public.
