New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare’s old letter reminding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of his old principles and ideology, who is facing allegations of corruption in Delhi’s liquor policy, is being discussed again. The CBI has issued a notice to Kejriwal to appear for questioning in the case. It is in this context that the letter sent by Anna Hazare last August, after the controversial liquor policy in Delhi first came up, is now being discussed.
The letter sent to Kejriwal said:
Kejriwal’s attitude towards liquor shops was not like this when he went ahead with the India Against Corruption movement. For the past 35 years, neither cigarettes nor liquor have been sold in his village Ralegaon Siddhi. This was appreciated by Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. AAP has taken a step back from this position.
The letter also quoted a passage from the book ‘Swaraj’ written by Kejriwal before entering politics.
Read also: ‘Vandebharat ticket Rs 2138; K–Rail 1325’; Sandeepanandagiri with note
Excerpt from Swaraj:
“Problem: At present, licenses to open liquor shops are issued on the recommendation of politicians. They take bribes and issue licenses. Many problems have arisen due to liquor shops. Family life is disrupted. The irony is that no one is asking those directly affected to open liquor shops. Liquor stores are being handed over to them.
Recommendation: Delegate the right to license liquor shops to Gram Sabhas. Let them meet and decide. Let 90% of the women who attend the meeting vote on it. Women participating in the meeting can refuse to grant the license with a simple majority.
Read also: Be happy, now we can sell bread in Thiruvananthapuram and return quickly: Krishnadas to Govinda
But after joining politics, Anna Hazare has pointed out that Kejriwal has forgotten his ideas and principles. “That’s why your government has framed a new liquor policy in Delhi. This will boost liquor trade and liquor consumption. Liquor shops can be opened on every street. This will increase corruption. This is not in the interest of the people,” he added.
India Against Corruption is a movement against corruption that emerged in 2010 during the second UPA government. In 2012, Kejriwal, who led this movement, entered politics by forming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). When India Against Corruption, started by Anna Hazare, transformed into AAP, Hazare kept his distance.
English Summary: What Anna Hazare Told Arvind Kejriwal When Delhi Liquor Policy Scam First Surfaced
