CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: Delhi online liquor app row intensifies as AAP targets BJP government
New Delhi. A political dispute between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified in Delhi over an online liquor booking app. The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of promoting the online liquor booking facility and has demanded its immediate withdrawal. The party has warned that if the scheme is not withdrawn within 24 hours, a large-scale protest will be held.
AAP Delhi unit president and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the facility and said the government should focus on education, health and other essential public issues instead of online booking of liquor. He alleged that the scheme could have a negative impact on young people. The Congress has also criticised the facility and demanded its withdrawal.
Amid the controversy, officials of the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) clarified that approval to develop the app was given in December 2024 during the tenure of the then AAP government. A work order for it was issued on January 2, 2025. The app was launched in November 2025. According to officials, its purpose is to increase transparency at liquor shops, reduce long queues and provide customers with information about available brands.
Through the app, customers can check liquor stock, book their preferred brand and make online payments. However, it does not provide home delivery of liquor. Customers have to visit the designated shop and collect their order after OTP verification. The facility is currently limited to corporation-run shops.
According to officials, from April 1, 2026 to October 2026, 10,730 transactions took place through the app, with a total value of Rs 29.90 lakh. The BJP, meanwhile, has said the app development process began during the previous government’s tenure and that the current government has not taken any separate initiative to promote it.
Amid the political allegations and counter-allegations over the issue, clarity is awaited on the future of the online liquor booking system.
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