AAP alleges ₹22,000 crore subsidized rice scam in Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has alleged a planned ₹22,000 crore scam involving the diversion of subsidized rice meant for the poor in Delhi. The allegations suggest that a corporation based in Assam, in coordination with the Delhi government, sought 31,000 metric tons of rice per week from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for distribution to needy residents.

Bharadwaj claims the rice never reached intended beneficiaries and was instead sold to a private company in Haryana at a profit. He estimated the scam would have involved ₹143 crore per week over three years, with the Assam-based corporation potentially earning commissions of approximately ₹70 crore weekly. He further alleged that rice priced at ₹23 per kg was being sold to private firms for ₹46 per kg.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has refuted the claims, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to AAP leaders to withdraw the allegations and issue a public apology, warning of potential legal action.