Lokpal’s Tender for 7 BMW Cars Triggers Outrage: ‘Anti-Corruption Watchdog Now Seeking Luxury’

The Lokpal of India, the country’s top anti-corruption authority, has come under heavy public scrutiny after issuing a tender to purchase seven luxury BMW 330Li sedans, each costing around ₹60–65 lakh. The move, revealed in a tender notice dated October 16, has sparked sharp criticism from activists and political figures who question the optics of such a purchase by an institution meant to uphold accountability and integrity.

According to the tender document, the cars are to be delivered “preferably within two weeks and not later than 30 days” of the supply order, with no extensions allowed. The procurement, estimated at over ₹4 crore, also includes a seven-day training programme for the designated drivers. The training—covering both theoretical and on-road sessions—must be completed within 15 days of delivery, with all costs borne by the vendor, including fuel, trainers, and accommodation.

The tender notice specifies that bids opened on October 17 and will close on November 6, with evaluation beginning November 7. However, the decision has already ignited widespread outrage, with critics accusing the Lokpal of extravagance and hypocrisy.

Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the move, saying, “They first grounded the institution of Lokpal by keeping it vacant for years, then appointed servile members who don’t bother about graft but enjoy luxuries. Now they’re buying ₹70 lakh BMW cars for themselves!”

The Congress party also slammed the decision. Party spokesperson Shama Mohamed said, “The Lokpal was born out of the India Against Corruption movement. It was supposed to fight corruption, not indulge in wasteful luxury. This is an insult to the ideals that created it.”

Social media users echoed the criticism, calling it “a betrayal of public trust” and questioning the need for high-end German sedans when mid-range Indian vehicles could suffice. Several users pointed out that the tender comes at a time when government agencies are urging austerity and cost-cutting.

While the Lokpal secretariat has not issued an official clarification, sources told Hindustan Times that the vehicles were meant for official duties involving senior functionaries and visiting dignitaries, and not for personal use.

However, the explanation has done little to quell the backlash. Transparency campaigners argue that such spending by an anti-corruption body “sets the wrong example” and risks damaging its credibility.

As the bidding process continues, the controversy has turned into a public relations challenge for the Lokpal, which is now being asked to justify why a body meant to curb excess and corruption appears to be indulging in it.