The Maharashtra government has firmly stated that no new liquor shop licences will be issued in the state without legislative approval, following a political storm triggered by allegations of a massive expansion in the number of outlets. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also handles the finance and excise portfolios, clarified the state’s stance in response to criticism from opposition leader Jitendra Awhad of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), who accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of promoting alcoholism to fund welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
In a media interaction in Pune on July 14, Ajit Pawar reiterated that Maharashtra follows a rule-based system when it comes to liquor licences. “We have made a rule that if licences for liquor shops in the state are to be granted, it should not be done without taking the legislature into confidence,” he said.
Mr. Pawar emphasized that Maharashtra is not focussed in increasing the number of liquor licences blindly, unlike other states. “Our approach is different. If a shop is to be relocated, we give permission only as per the rules, and everything happens accordingly. There’s a committee that decides each case,” he explained.
He also noted that in areas where women raise objections, liquor shops are shut down, showcasing the administration’s sensitivity to local sentiment.
The controversy erupted earlier in the day when Jitendra Awhad, NCP (SP) MLA, alleged that the government was planning to issue 328 new liquor shop licences across Maharashtra to address financial strain from schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which offers monthly financial aid of INR 1,500 to eligible women.
Calling it a betrayal of the state's cultural roots, Awhad said, “This liquor-driven policy to fill an empty treasury is a betrayal of families… The Devendra Fadnavis government will go down in history for selling alcohol licences instead of preserving public health.”
Mr. MLA further accused the administration of corruption, alleging that licences cancelled five decades ago were being sold at prices far below their market value, benefitting a select group of individuals. Awhad claimed to have a list of 47 directors of firms lobbying at Mantralaya to acquire these licences.
Ajit Pawar had earlier informed the legislative assembly, on July 8, that no new liquor shop licences have been issued in Maharashtra since 1972, although transfers and relocations are permitted under strict rules.
He clarified that municipal corporations do not have the authority to revoke liquor licences by passing local resolutions. This was in response to BJP MLA Prashant Thakur, who raised concerns about attempts to make Kharghar an “alcohol-free zone.”
This underscores that the existing regulatory framework for liquor sales in Maharashtra remains rigid and process-driven, despite political pressures or local resolutions.
In his press conference, Awhad urged the citizens of Maharashtra, especially women, to protest against what he called a government policy that prioritizes alcohol revenue over public health.
Referring to past resistance against similar moves, Awhad reminded the public of the 1974 mass uprising led by Mrinaltai Gorhe, Ahilyabai Rangnekar, and Madhu Dandavate, which forced the then government to roll back similar policies.
He also alleged ongoing violations, such as the sale of alcohol in restricted zones like the Yeoor stretch in Thane’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, accusing excise officials of collusion in these activities.
The liquor policy row in Maharashtra has sparked a fierce political debate. On one hand, the government – via Ajit Pawar – has reaffirmed its commitment to due legislative process and rule-based governance in granting liquor licences. On the other, opposition leaders accuse it of using alcohol as a revenue-generating tool at the cost of public welfare and cultural values.
While no new licences have officially been granted since 1972, the issue reflects deeper tensions over economic priorities, public health, and political accountability in India’s wealthiest state. With calls for public protests and accusations of corruption, the Maharashtra liquor licence debate is far from over.
