BJP president J.P. Nadda on Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi of causing a ₹2,026 crore loss to the public exchequer through intentional lapses in its now-scrapped excise policy.

Nadda, citing a yet-to-be-officially-released CAG report, on social media platform X, labelled the policy as the “AAP’DA model of loot.” He predicted the AAP government’s imminent defeat at the polls and subsequent punishment for its alleged misdeeds.

“Intoxicated by power, high on misgovernance. ‘AAP’DA model of loot is in full display, and that too is on something like liquor,” he said.

Nadda’s statement follows the arrests of then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his then-deputy Manish Sisodia by the Enforcement Directorate on corruption charges related to the excise policy. Both have since been released on bail.

While the content of the CAG report is circulating in some media outlets, the report itself has not been officially made public.

He alleged, “CAG Report on ‘Liquorgate’ exposes @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty Gov. Intentional ‘Lapses’ in Policy Implementation. ₹2,026 Cr Loss to Exchequer money.”

Responding to the BJP’s allegations, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh questioned the BJP’s claims, demanding the release of the official CAG report and pointing out the BJP’s previous denials of the report’s existence. The conflicting statements highlight the ongoing political battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy and its financial implications.

Delhi’s 2021-22 Excise Policy, launched in November 2021, sought to overhaul the city’s liquor retail system. Intended to boost state revenue, curb counterfeit alcohol, and improve the consumer experience, the policy faced immediate and intense criticism over alleged irregularities.

This led to its revocation on August 1, 2022. A key feature was the government’s removal from direct liquor retail, aiming for increased vendor numbers, wider brand selection, and a safer shopping environment. A proposed lowering of the drinking age to 18 was ultimately blocked by legislation.

At least 24 labourers are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed lintel at a railway station in Kannauj, which occurred on Saturday around 2:30 PM.

District authorities involved in the rescue operations reported that 15 workers have been pulled to safety, and two of them are in critical condition. At the time of the incident, approximately 30 to 35 workers were on-site for the construction project. Those rescued have been rushed to a district hospital for treatment.

Active rescue efforts are underway by police and administrative teams. The collapse happened during beautification work at the station.

Aseem Arun, the Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister and BJP MLA for the Kannauj (Sadar) constituency, was present at the scene and emphasized that the priority is to save everyone who may be trapped under the debris. He stated, “Our primary responsibility is to rescue anyone who could be under the rubble. We are making every effort to clear the debris. Those who have been rescued and taken to the hospital are reported to be stable and out of danger.” The minister also noted that an investigation will be conducted to uncover the cause of the accident.

In a statement, railway authorities reported that five individuals were injured when the shuttering collapsed during slab casting at Kannauj railway station at 2:39 PM. “The injured were transported to the hospital,” said the railway officials.

Inspector General of Kanpur Range, Jogendra Kumar, confirmed that all rescued laborers are safe and receiving treatment, adding, “No fatalities have been reported as of now.” Senior officials have ordered an investigation into the incident to find out what led to the mishap.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Young Leader’s Dialogue and the National Youth Festival on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam. This event brings together more than 3,000 young leaders from across India for thematic discussions and creative competitions.

Notable attendees included Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, ISRO Chief S. Somanath, and journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay.

In his speech, Mandaviya emphasized the crucial role of youth in determining India’s future. “Today’s event is organized by the youth and is for the youth,” he stated, encouraging participants to play an active role in the nation’s advancement.

A key highlight of the festival will occur on January 12, the final day of the event, when the Prime Minister will interact with select youth leaders. From the 3,000 participants, 20 outstanding young leaders will have the unique chance to meet the Prime Minister over lunch and share their innovative ideas on women’s empowerment and other pressing challenges.

Mandaviya urged the youth to seize this opportunity, saying, “When the 20 outstanding leaders meet the Prime Minister tomorrow to share your vision for a developed India, you will also seek his commitment and support to achieve this dream together.”

The National Youth Festival 2025 is designed to celebrate the energy, creativity, and vision of India’s youth, fostering leadership and innovative solutions for a brighter future.

January 12, celebrated as National Youth Day in honor of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary and his lasting legacy of youth empowerment, will be a pivotal moment for all participants. This day will highlight the most anticipated segment of the event.

A significant occasion will unfold as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils a specially curated Coffee Table Book, featuring the best essays from each of the ten identified themes. Alongside this, the Prime Minister will launch the Youth Anthem, an inspiring musical piece designed to unite and motivate India’s youth under a shared vision of national progress and development.

The day will also showcase ten impactful presentations, each representing one of the ten key thematic areas vital to India’s development, in front of the Prime Minister.

To facilitate meaningful interactions, a lunch will be arranged where participants can engage directly with the nation’s highest leader. This intimate setting will allow young minds to share their ideas and aspirations for a developed India, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth.

Following the lunch, the Grand Plenary Session, led by the Prime Minister, will serve as the centerpiece of the day. The Prime Minister will address the gathering, encouraging the youth to strive toward the goal of a Viksit Bharat.