Delhi Liquor Shops to Close Oct 9-10 Amid Protests
All retail liquor vends in Delhi will remain shut on October 9 and 10 as a preventive measure due to planned protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
In a significant move to ensure public safety and maintain order, all retail liquor shops across Delhi are set to remain closed on October 9 and 10. The decision comes as the national capital braces for intense political activity and large-scale demonstrations planned by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Preventive Measures to Maintain Public Order
The shutdown follows an official circular issued by the authorities, citing inputs from the Delhi Police regarding the prevailing political climate. To prevent any potential unrest or disruption to public peace, the administration has ordered the complete closure of various licensed retail vends.
According to the official order, the closure will apply to all retail liquor vends operating under the following licenses in Delhi:
- Form L6, L6 & L6FG
- L8
- L10
- L8 & L14
Rising Political Tension and Protests
The closure is a direct response to the escalating tension between the ruling government and the INDIA bloc. The opposition has been leading a series of intense protests, alleging serious irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. These leaders have been demanding the immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The agitation has reached a fever pitch, with high-profile leaders such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra participating in demonstrations. On Thursday, these leaders visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi as part of their ongoing campaign.
The political friction has already led to legal confrontations. Following a demonstration near Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, the Delhi Police registered three FIRs. These legal actions involve allegations of:
- Assault on police personnel
- Obstruction of government work
- Manhandling and pushing of officers
- Misbehaviour with police staff
Notably, the names of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been included in the details of the FIRs registered so far.
Youth-Led Protests at Jantar Mantar
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the CJP has announced a massive youth-led protest scheduled for October 10 at Jantar Mantar. The party is mobilizing against what it describes as "vote theft" and the systematic exclusion of young voters from the electoral rolls.
Saurav Das, the chief spokesperson for the CJP, confirmed that the party has formally notified the Delhi Police about the planned demonstration and has completed all necessary formalities. The party expects a significant turnout of young people from across the country to participate in the protest against the Election Commission's recent actions.