The Delhi government’s newly launched Delhi Liquor Booking App has sparked a political controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the BJP-led administration of promoting alcohol consumption. Developed by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), the app allows customers to check the availability of liquor brands, pay online in advance, and reserve their preferred products before collecting them from government-run liquor shops. Officials said the initiative aims to improve convenience for consumers and reduce uncertainty over product availability across nearly 210 DSIIDC-operated liquor vends in the national capital.

The digital service enables customers to reserve liquor before visiting the outlet, while existing purchase limits remain unchanged. Under current rules, an individual can purchase up to nine litres of whisky and 18 litres of beer. Officials said the response has so far been limited because many residents are still unaware of the facility. The app is part of the government’s broader effort to modernise liquor sales and address long-standing complaints regarding the non-availability of popular brands at retail outlets. Delhi currently has more than 700 government-operated liquor shops managed by four different state agencies.

The launch of the app has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj demanded that the BJP government withdraw the scheme within 24 hours, calling it an “anti-people” initiative and warning of statewide protests if it is not rolled back. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also questioned the usefulness of the app, arguing that customers must still visit liquor shops to collect their orders, meaning issues such as traffic congestion and crowd management remain unresolved. The BJP and the Delhi government have not yet issued an official response to the criticism, as the political debate over the new liquor booking system continues.