Anurag Thakur claims Delhi Excise policy scam costs Rs 2,026 crore, attacks AAP leadership

BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Saturday claimed the Delhi Excise Policy scam is worth Rs 2,026 crore and accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of misleading Delhi residents.

Thakur stated, "Even though this is the year 2025, I am here to talk about 2026 as the liquor scam is worth Rs 2,026 crore. The AAP spoke about pathshala (schools); however, they have created Madhushala (liquor houses). The party has transitioned from brooms to liquor."

He emphasised the need to eliminate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to as ‘aapda’ (disaster), alleging the AAP-led Delhi Government has plunged the city into turmoil. “The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the AAP also went to jail. During the pandemic, when the public faced hardships, AAP was content because the fabric of the liquor scam was being woven,” he asserted.

Thakur claimed Arvind Kejriwal is the 'kingpin' of the alleged scam, referencing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) charge sheet that names him as such. "There was a loss of Rs 2,026 crore in revenue to the government exchequer," he added.

"The past ten years of the AAP regime in Delhi are marred by scams and misdeeds. They used to speak of Swaraj (self-governance); however, now it’s all about alcohol. Eight ministers, 15 MLAs, one MP and even the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have been jailed. No other government since independence has committed as many wrongdoings as AAP," Thakur continued.

He also criticised AAP's leadership, stating, "Who is the face of AAP? CM Atishi does not see herself as a CM and elections are not contested under her leadership. AAP lacks an honest face. The people of Delhi are determined to remove them from power this time."

"The public now desires a double-engine government. Under PM Modi's leadership, we will ensure the people of Delhi benefit from Central Government schemes. Moreover, we will fulfill 100 per cent of the promises made in our Sankalp Patra (manifesto)," he concluded.