Pune: In a last-minute move, the state excise department on Sunday canceled the permit to serve liquor at the concert of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh in Kothrud area of ​​Pune city.

The decision comes after strong protests by the NCP party’s youth wing and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil as well as some local residents and organizations against serving liquor at the event.

Speaking to ANI, Excise Department SP CB Rajput said, “We had received an application from the owner of the venue and he had objected that liquor should not be allowed to be served at the concert. Hence, we are taking action on it.” Are.” As per the application, we have refused permission to serve liquor at the concert and the concert organizers have also been informed about the same.”

NCP Pune president Deepak Mankar said in a press note shared by NCP officials, “We protest against Diljit Dosanjh’s program to be held at Kakade Farm today on November 24. Due to this program, the citizens of Kothrud will be subjected to illegal activities like open sale. Will have to face problems.” In view of the alcohol, loud noise and traffic jams, we demanded that the organizers cancel the event immediately. We are always against those who spoil the culture of Kothrud. If the concert is not cancelled, the Nationalist Congress Party will launch an agitation against the organisers.

Senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil also said, “As a local MLA and a citizen, I oppose Diljit Dosanjh’s music festival to be held at Kakade Farm in Kothrud, Pune.” I oppose not only the sale of liquor but also the sale of liquor.” Due to the traffic jam and loud noise caused by this event, I have appealed to the Police Commissioner, Excise Department and District Collector to cancel this event. Instructions have been given.

He said, “Such an incident is a pest for the society. If this incident happens in Kothrud, a big march will be taken out by the Bharatiya Janata Party and I myself will lead this march.”

The concert was scheduled at 7 pm on Sunday at the open ground of Suryakant Kakade Farms in Kothrud.

Protests against the concert also included concerns over noise pollution due to the installation of a large number of loudspeakers. Many protesters demanded the complete cancellation of the concert.

Police personnel were deployed at the venue to maintain law and order amid the protests.

Earlier this month, Diljit had said during his Ahmedabad concert that if the government announced a nationwide ban on “liquor” then he would stop making songs on it.

“If all the states we have here declare themselves dry states, the very next day Diljit Dosanjh will never sing a song on alcohol in his life. I will die. Is this possible? (If all the states of India declare themselves dry states) If you are in a dry state, promise that Diljit Dosanjh will never sing on alcohol. Is this possible?” he asked.

“This is a very big revenue source. In Corona, everything was closed, things were not closed. What are you talking about? You cannot fool the youth (This is a very big revenue source. During COVID-19, Everything is closed except liquor, what are you saying? You can’t fool the youth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Diljit’s Dil-Luminati Tour will continue with performances in Kolkata (November 30), Bengaluru (December 6), Indore (December 8), Chandigarh (December 14) and Guwahati (December 29).