The service is currently available only at DSIIDC-operated outlets.
The controversy has taken a new turn after officials claimed that the permission to develop the app was granted by the previous AAP government in December 2024, with the stated objectives of ensuring transparency in retail liquor sales and preventing the practice of pushing particular brands on customers, news agency PTI reported. Earlier reporting noted: ‘Previous Delhi govt gave nod’: Officials defend online liquor booking app amid row The online liquor booking app launched by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) was approved by the previous Delhi government in 2024, to ensure transparency and prevent brand pushing in retail sales, the corporation said on Wednesday. Earlier reporting noted: This comes amid a political row over the scheme, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj demanding its rollback and threatening protests if the BJP-led government fails to withdraw it within 24 hours.
NEW DELHI: What began as a digital convenience for liquor buyers has quickly turned into a fresh political flashpoint in Delhi, with the Aam Aadmi Party taking on the BJP-led government of chief minister Rekha Gupta over an online liquor booking facility introduced by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). The clarification came after former Delhi minister and AAP’s Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, demanding that the scheme be withdrawn and warning of political consequences if it is not. Bharadwaj issued a direct challenge to the government, saying, “We challenge the Rekha Gupta government that if they don’t shut this scheme, we won’t allow their government to function in Delhi.
Now, DSIIDC officials have said the initiative was not originally conceived by the current BJP government. Officials said the initiative was designed to promote digital governance, improve transparency and prevent brand pushing at retail outlets. The confrontation has turned a relatively limited digital service into a wider political battle over liquor policy, administrative accountability and the BJP and AAP’s competing claims over governance in the national capital.
Even his master ‘AS’ won’t be able to defend him,” Bharadwaj said in a post on X, referring to Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. “If Rekha Gupta does not roll back this scheme, the minister will have to be sacked for this scheme. We will ensure Sirsa is sacked.