By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi 

NEW DELHI: Delhi Minister Ashish Sood has launched a sharp counterattack against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing the opposition of manufacturing shifting allegations over the Delhi Government’s bicycle procurement scheme for schoolgirls and attempting to undermine a welfare initiative benefiting more than 3,000 students.

Sood alleged that AAP’s claims had repeatedly changed within days, citing figures of 70%, 40%, 43%, 66% and 75% in successive allegations. He said the changing numbers exposed what he described as a politically motivated campaign rather than a consistent claim backed by evidence.

“Their changing figures expose their political desperation,” Sood said, accusing AAP leaders of spreading misinformation after seeing the positive response to the bicycle distribution programme.

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Sood Puts GeM Transparency at Centre of Defence

Responding to allegations surrounding the procurement process, Sood said the bicycles were purchased through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in accordance with prescribed procedures.

According to the Minister, the procurement process involved:

• GeM-based procurement through the central government’s e-marketplace;
• Automated safeguards against restrictive or biased tender conditions;
• No complaints from vendors or other parties during the bidding period; and
• Selection of the lowest eligible L1 bidder through the prescribed process.

Sood said the Education Department had followed all required formalities and accused AAP of staging what he called “cheap theatrical dramas” to create confusion among the public.

AAP Targeted Over ₹2,500 Women’s Benefit

The Minister also attacked AAP over its conduct during Assembly discussions on the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women are to receive ₹2,500 directly.

Sood accused AAP legislators of repeatedly questioning when the promised benefit would reach women and then avoiding Assembly proceedings when the government moved ahead with the scheme.

He portrayed the development as evidence of a contrast between the BJP-led Delhi Government’s welfare delivery and what he described as AAP’s political rhetoric.

DUSIB Bill: BJP Government Highlights Slum Rehabilitation

Sood further criticised AAP over its political narrative concerning Delhi’s slum residents, highlighting the DUSIB Amendment Bill 2026.

The Minister said the legislation extends the eligibility cut-off by 19 years, from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025. He also highlighted provisions for in-situ rehabilitation, with residents to be accommodated at the existing location or within a 2.5–3-kilometre radius, aimed at minimising disruption to education and livelihoods.

Sood accused AAP of having previously created fear among slum dwellers over possible displacement and said the BJP government had instead introduced measures intended to provide greater security.

Government Lists Legislative Push

Sood also cited several legislative measures passed during the Assembly session, including the Delhi Fire Service Amendment Bill 2026, the Delhi Right of Citizen to Time-Bound Service Delivery Bill 2026, and the Delhi Bed and Breakfast Establishment Repeal Bill 2026.

He said the fire-services reform would introduce modern, technology-driven safety frameworks, while the time-bound services legislation would make officials accountable for delays, including through salary-linked penalties.

According to Sood, 53 critical public issues relating to water, roads, electricity and sewage were discussed out of 106 Rule 280 notices.

‘160 Major Policy Interventions’ in 16–17 Months

Sood said the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi Government had implemented more than 160 major policy interventions in 16–17 months, while accusing AAP of failing to perform its role as a constructive Opposition.

He further alleged that AAP legislators had avoided discussions on sensitive matters, including convictions related to the North-East Delhi riots.

Sood maintained that the BJP government was operating with a “zero tolerance” approach to corruption and said its focus remained on delivering welfare, infrastructure and governance reforms to Delhi’s residents.

The Minister’s broadside comes as the political battle between the BJP-led Delhi Government and AAP intensifies, with procurement transparency and delivery of welfare schemes emerging as key points of contention.