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CAG report exposes Rs 2,002 crore loss under Delhi’s scrapped liquor policy

A CAG report tabled in the Delhi Assembly reveals that the now-scrapped liquor policy led to a Rs 2,002 crore loss, citing mismanagement and flawed decision-making.

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A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has unveiled a staggering revenue loss of Rs 2,002.68 crore due to Delhi’s controversial liquor policy, which was implemented in November 2021 and scrapped in September 2022. The revelations were made in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, sparking intense debates and leading to the suspension of 15 AAP MLAs.

Key findings of the CAG report

The audit points to a series of missteps and policy misjudgments that resulted in substantial financial losses. The biggest contributor to this loss, amounting to Rs 941.53 crore, was the prohibition of liquor outlets in non-conforming areas—zones that do not adhere to land use regulations for liquor vends.

Additionally, the policy’s flawed execution led to a loss of Rs 890.15 crore when tenders were not issued for 19 zones where liquor licenses had been surrendered. The CAG report highlights that no alternative measures were taken to continue liquor retail in these areas, leading to a revenue shortfall.

Further losses of Rs 144 crore were attributed to the waiver of fees for liquor license holders under the pretext of Covid-19 relief, while another Rs 27 crore was lost due to improper security deposit collection from zonal licensees.

Political repercussions and AAP’s setback

The liquor policy controversy has not only dented Delhi’s revenues but also had significant political consequences. Several AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, were jailed following allegations of corruption related to the policy.

The scandal is believed to have played a crucial role in AAP’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections, paving the way for the BJP to form a government in Delhi after 26 years.

Assembly uproar and opposition reaction

The tabling of the CAG report in the Assembly led to chaotic scenes, with opposition members demanding accountability from the AAP leadership. The suspension of 15 AAP MLAs during the session further fueled the political tensions surrounding the issue.

As the findings come to light, the opposition is likely to intensify its attack on the previous Delhi government, demanding further investigations into the excise policy fiasco. The report raises questions about governance lapses and policy-making in the national capital, making it a focal point of ongoing political debates.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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