New Delhi, March 22 Hours after criticizing her own BJP-ruled municipal corporation (MCD) over the seizure of illegal liquor during a surprise inspection in Delhi's Chandni Chowk area on Sunday, Satya Sharma, the chairperson of the MCD's Standing Committee, stated that the matter was one of "public safety, not politics."
Sharma's remark came in response to MCD Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang alleging that the chairperson of the BJP's own Standing Committee has admitted that an illicit drug trade is operating openly in Delhi.
Currently, the BJP holds the majority in the corporation with 122 seats, and AAP is the second largest party with 102 seats. Raja Iqbal Singh and Satya Sharma, both from the BJP, serve as the mayor and Standing Committee chairperson, respectively.
Earlier in the day, illegal liquor was seized in Delhi's Chandni Chowk area during a surprise inspection led by Sharma, chairperson of the Standing Committee – the highest decision-making body of the MCD.
In a statement and video shared on X, she alleged lapses on the part of enforcement agencies.
"During a surprise inspection, illegal liquor was seized in the Chandni Chowk area. Such activities are flourishing due to the collusion of the police and the negligence of the MCD," she said.
Calling the issue serious, Sharma said directions have been issued for an immediate inquiry and strict action against those responsible.
She said inspections in the Chandni Chowk area had revealed "serious irregularities and suspicious activities," stating the need for administrative accountability.
Reacting to Sharma's video, MCD Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang alleged, "Today, the Chairperson of the BJP's own Standing Committee has admitted that an illicit drug trade is operating openly in Delhi."
He claimed this pointed to "collusion of the BJP-ruled MCD and the Delhi Police in this illicit racket."
Pushing back against Narang's charge, Sharma said, "Exposing suspicious and illegal activities within the parking area situated in front of the Old Delhi Railway Station is a matter entirely linked to public safety, transparency, and administrative accountability, not politics," Sharma asserted.