The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Monday slammed Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M Karunanidhi, asking him to check his facts before 'going on a wild goose chase'.

Karunanidhi had criticised the purchase of bicycles for free distribution to students by the Tamil Nadu government.

"There is absolutely no basis for this outrageous statement of Karunanidhi's, making wild allegations. The level to which he has sunk is deplorable and reprehensible," O Panneerselvam, AIADMK election wing secretary, said in a statement on Monday night. "Let him not attempt such reckless statements as people are rushing forward to teach him a fitting lesson in the elections."

Pointing out that all rules and procedures were followed in the tenders, Panneerselvam said Karunanidhi's allegation was 'totally hollow, devoid of any merit.' The allegations of loss and irregularity were totally baseless and the tender was given in favour of TI Cycles of India, to benefit the state. 

"Further, the price settled was considerably lower than that quoted. It was reduced from Rs 1,881 to Rs 1,720 per cycle," Panneerselvam said.

On April 1, Karunanidhi had questioned the hastiness with which T I cycles of Chennai was awarded the tender to supply cycles under the free bicycle scheme for students, by amending the rules of sales tax department.