AAP alleges graft in bicycle scheme; govt says claims ‘baseless’

AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged irregularities in Delhi's free bicycle distribution scheme, claiming the BJP-led government procured bicycles at an inflated price of ₹6,923 each instead of ₹4,100 and favored a particular company.

Under the Vidya Vahini scheme, nearly 140,000 eligible girl students in Delhi are to receive free bicycles in phases.

Bharadwaj said the tender required a ₹360 crore turnover to ensure only a select company could participate, and that no pre-bid meeting was held.

Delhi government spokesperson Harish Khurana called the allegations baseless, saying the aim was to divert attention from alleged 'school bag scheme fraud' and 'paper leak' in Punjab.

Khurana stated the bicycles were procured through a completely transparent process.