Delhi's bicycle scheme for girls sparks political row between AAP and BJP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday exchanged accusations over the Vidya Vahini Yojana, a Delhi government scheme that provides bicycles to girl students in Class 9.

The scheme, launched on July 31 by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to improve access to education for girls. The government has allocated ₹90 crore to distribute bicycles to 1.3 lakh students in government schools. So far, over 3,000 bicycles have been distributed.

At a press conference, AAP Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged irregularities in the procurement process. He claimed the bicycles were purchased at an “exorbitant” rate through a “tailored” tender designed to benefit a specific company. According to Mr. Bharadwaj, the tender required a turnover of ₹360 crore for suppliers of 1.3 lakh bicycles, which would limit participation to a few large firms. He also said the government deliberately avoided holding a pre-bid meeting.

Mr. Bharadwaj added that a bicycle manufacturing company had lodged a complaint about these issues with Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and the Vigilance Department.

Responding to the allegations, BJP MLA and Delhi government spokesperson Harish Khurana dismissed them as baseless. He said the accusations were based solely on a private firm's complaint and were an attempt to divert attention from alleged scams in Punjab, including the “school bag scam” and “exam paper leak cases.” Mr. Khurana also accused AAP of trying to shield Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from scrutiny.

Mr. Khurana noted that bicycles in the Delhi market are available at a wide range of prices, from ₹4,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the model and features. He reiterated that there is no “bicycle scam” in Delhi.

The exchange highlights the ongoing political rivalry between AAP and BJP in Delhi, where the two parties have repeatedly clashed over governance issues. The Vidya Vahini Yojana is part of the Delhi government's efforts to support girl students, with the Chief Minister having announced the scheme as a measure to encourage school attendance and reduce dropout rates.

The BJP came to power in Delhi in February 2025, ending AAP's decade-long rule. This is one of the first major welfare schemes introduced by the new government. AAP, which remains the principal opposition party in the capital, has been critical of the BJP-led administration on multiple fronts.

Both parties have yet to provide detailed evidence beyond statements. The matter could see further scrutiny if the Vigilance Department takes up the complaint. No official response from the Lieutenant-Governor's office or the Vigilance Department has been reported so far.