The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns over the Delhi government’s procurement of bicycles by contrasting a bicycle distributed to schoolgirls with an identical model available for retail purchase. According to AAP, the cost differential is significant; the government reportedly acquired each bicycle for ₹6,957, while AAP claims to have purchased a same model for ₹4,200.

During a press conference held on August 13, AAP’s Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the government bought 1.30 lakh bicycles at this inflated price despite the bicycles reportedly using less expensive local components. Bharadwaj claimed that the version supplied by the government features a ‘Skyler’ sticker, although this model was discontinued a year prior.

Bharadwaj intends to raise the matter to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister, seeking an explanation regarding the authenticity of the bicycles and the reason behind the substantial price difference.

Comparison of Bicycles Presented

He noted the discrepancy in tyre quality, stating the retail-purchased bike’s tyres cost between ₹350 and ₹500, whereas the government model features cheaper tyres priced at approximately ₹150. Bharadwaj expressed concern regarding the integrity behind the tender process, positing that the AAP bicycle represents a more quality-conscious approach linked to genuine intentions.

Furthermore, Bharadwaj declared his intention to directly confront Delhi’s officials in person with both bicycles, urging that they publicly identify which bicycle is genuine and explain the procurement details to both the media and the public.

Claims of Potential Corruption

Alongside Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, an AAP MLA and Chief Whip in the Delhi Assembly, echoed allegations of corruption linked to the procurement process. He highlighted that another bidder had previously mentioned a potential supply price for the same bicycle at ₹4,100. Jha further alluded to an informal communication from Hero Cycles that indicated they could supply the bicycle at ₹3,200, raising suspicions regarding the government’s inflated purchasing price.

Jha remarked on the lack of government willingness to discuss these procurement issues in both public and assembly forums, suggesting that this reticence indicates an awareness of potential wrongdoing. He urged for a thorough investigation into the matter, indicating that the lack of transparency raises questions about ethical conduct within the government.

The controversy surrounding the bicycle procurement has become a focal point for AAP, as the party seeks to bring these discrepancies to light and hold the government accountable for its financial decisions. As the situation develops, further insights from both AAP and the Delhi government are anticipated.

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