New Delhi: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday defended his record of raising Punjab-related issues while responding to recent criticisms from within his party.

Chadha shared a video clip on X from the Rajya Sabha in which he is seen addressing issues related to Punjab, emphasising his commitment to the state.

Raghav Chadha’s Tweet

In his post, he wrote, “To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that ‘Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament’, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai. Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul.”

Earlier on Saturday, Chadha directly addressed the party’s accusations: “I didn’t want to speak up, but if I stayed silent, even the repeatedly repeated lie would start to seem like the truth. Three Allegations. Zero Truth.”

In earlier posts, Chadha responded to three major allegations against him following his removal as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. He posted on X, “I didn’t want to speak up, but if I stayed silent, even the repeatedly repeated lie would start to seem like the truth. Three Allegations. Zero Truth.”

In a video message, Chadha also alleged a “scripted campaign” against him, saying, “The same questions and the same allegations against me. This is no coincidence but a coordinated attack.” He further challenged the claim that he had not supported the opposition during walkouts, stating, “This is a white lie. There are CCTVs all around the Parliament. Anyone can check them to get their answer.”

The dispute highlights rising tensions within AAP, as Chadha seeks to defend his record while the party accuses him of neglecting parliamentary responsibilities. The MP reiterated that his focus remains on Punjab and its people, asserting that he has consistently raised state concerns in the Rajya Sabha and intends to continue doing so.

Bhubaneswar, April 3: The Sambalpur police in Odisha have arrested two employees of the Excise Department, including a retired Excise Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), in connection with a case involving large-scale embezzlement of government funds worth over Rs 3.67 crore between 2022 and 2025, said Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo, Superintendent of Police, Sambalpur district, on Friday.

The accused persons arrested in the fraud case have been identified as Sandeep Kumar Pattnaik, a junior assistant (currently under suspension), and Sarat Chandra Behera, a retired Excise ASI.

Meanwhile, the police sources also revealed that another accused in the case, retired Excise ASI Achyuta Dehury, is still on the run. Serious financial irregularities came to light during an audit of the Excise Department’s financial records by authorities, including the Principal Accountant General (A&E), Odisha.

Subsequently, based on a written report submitted by Ashok Kumar Seth, I/C Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Northern Division), Sambalpur, the Ainthapali police registered a case (73/26) on March 9 and launched an investigation into the massive fraud.

The cops, during investigation, found that multiple unauthorised sanction orders were generated through the IFMS portal in favour of the retired Excise ASI Achyuta Dehury, leading to excess withdrawal of pension and salary arrears between November 2022 and October 2025. The official records, such as bill registers and cash books, were also found to be manipulated and not properly maintained.

“During investigation, bank account analysis showed suspicious high-value transactions, including large cash withdrawals and transfers to associates, indicating misappropriation and diversion of Government funds,” the police also added.

The accused Pattnaik, who was dealing with establishment matters, was arrested by the cops on March 28 for his involvement in the misappropriation of government funds to the tune of Rs 3.67 crore.

The police also managed to arrest another accused, Behera, Retd. ASI, on March 31. The accused persons, by abusing their official position, allegedly manipulated financial records, generated fraudulent sanctions, and siphoned off Government money, causing wrongful loss to the State exchequer and corresponding gain to themselves.

The police have so far seized Rs 23,46,500 from the possession of accused Pattnaik, while another Rs 44 lakh from the total defrauded amount transferred to various accounts has been frozen by the police.

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, alleging that capable and honest officers have no value in the current system. Speaking in Lucknow, he claimed that those involved in corruption and irregularities are being favored, while efficient officers are sidelined.

Yadav urged officials not to take decisions in emotional distress, asserting that “better days are coming.” He said a future PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) government would ensure dignity, proper roles, and respect for deserving officers. According to him, quality governance depends on skilled administrators who can deliver work within timelines.

He emphasized that the Samajwadi Party has always valued competent officers and will continue to do so. Yadav also claimed that both officers and employees who feel neglected are now aligning with the PDA vision to bring political change in the state.

Highlighting his slogan, he said, “Pain is increasing, that’s why PDA is growing,” adding that those who feel oppressed are naturally joining the movement.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the current regime’s “bad days” are nearing an end.