‘Aap Satta Ke Nashe Mein Doob Gaye Hain,’ Anna Hazare to Kejriwal on Delhi liquor policy row

“Just like alcohol intoxication, power too intoxicates. It looks like you have drowned in the intoxication of power. (Aap Satta Ke Nashe Mein Doob Gaye Hain)," This is a line from social activist Anna Hazare's letter which he has written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over Delhi’s liquor license policy.

Hazare, who had gained popularity as an anti-corruption crusader during the Lokpal movement, accused CM Kejriwal of getting intoxicated with power. He said that the Delhi Chief Minister has forgotten the ideologies and values of the movement that created the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

"This is the first time I am writing to you after you became Chief Minister. The recent news about the Delhi government on the liquor scam is disheartening. I have been inspired by Gandhiji and his ideology. Based on this, I have dedicated my life to the people, society and the country. For the last 47 years, I have been working towards the upliftment of society and corruption," Anna Hazare wrote in the letter.

"You had written the book titled 'Swaraj' where you wrote about ideals. There was a lot of hope from you then, but after going into politics and becoming the Chief Minister, you have forgotten the ideology. Just like alcohol intoxication, there is an intoxication of power also. It looks like you have drowned in the intoxication of power.”

The social activist also slammed AAP-led Delhi Government for its excise policy. He said that the policy encouraged the sale and consumption of liquor.

Hazare further said he sees the Aam Aadmi Party, formed by CM Kejriwal, and Manish Sisodia no different from other political parties.

The Delhi Government had introduced an excise policy to bring private players into the liquor trade, so that liquor has better availability at competitive prices. The policy was aimed to finish off the liquor mafia and the grey market in the Union Territory while increasing revenue. The policy was introduced in November last year and was withdrawn eight months later as the CBI started looking into it.

The Agency had filed a case of alleged corruption in excise policy. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who handles the excise portfolio, is one of the 15 main accused named in the FIR.

Earlier this month, CBI raided Sisodia's residence in connection with the alleged corruption in the implementation of the Policy.

Earlier today, in the ongoing probe, the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister’s bank lockers were examined.

CM Kejriwal defended his Deputy by saying that the probe is "inspired by dirty politics".

In 2011, Anna Hazare started the anti-corruption movement from which the AAP emerged.