A significant controversy has emerged surrounding a public tender issued by the Lokpal of India, the country’s anti-corruption ombudsman, for the acquisition of seven high-end BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) vehicles.
The tender notice, dated October 16, has triggered widespread criticism due to the decision to procure luxury cars, raising questions about the priorities of an institution established to combat corruption.
The tender notice explicitly states, "The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series Li cars to the Lokpal of India." It outlines the bidding timeline, specifying that the submission period began on October 17 and will conclude on November 6 at 3 pm, with the evaluation process scheduled to commence on November 7.
Each BMW 330 Li vehicle carries a price tag exceeding ₹60 lakh, and the Lokpal has stipulated a tight delivery timeline, requiring the cars to be delivered preferably within two weeks, and no later than 30 days from the issuance of the supply order. The notice firmly adds, “No extension of time will be given.”
In addition to the vehicle procurement, the Lokpal has mandated a comprehensive training programme for its drivers and designated staff members. According to the notice, the selected vendor is required to conduct a “comprehensive practical and theoretical training programme” lasting a minimum of seven days, to be completed within 15 days of the cars’ delivery.
The notice further elaborates, “The training programme shall comprise both classroom sessions and on-road practical sessions.” The Lokpal has also specified that the entire cost of organising and conducting this training—including trainer honorarium, travel, accommodation (if required), fuel, materials, and logistics—must be “borne exclusively by the vendor”.
The announcement of the tender has sparked significant backlash, particularly on social media, where users and prominent figures have criticised the Lokpal’s decision. Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan voiced his disapproval on X, stating, “The institution of Lokpal has been ground to dust by the Modi govt by keeping it vacant for many years & then appointing servile members who are not bothered by graft & are happy with their luxuries. They are now buying 70L BMW cars for themselves!”
Similarly, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed condemned the move, highlighting the irony of the situation. She wrote on X, “Lokpal wants to buy 7 luxury BMW cars worth ₹5 crore for itself. This is the same institution that was supposed to fight corruption after the so-called ‘India Against Corruption’ movement — a movement backed by the RSS and designed only to bring down the Congress government.”
The controversy has fuelled public debate over the appropriateness of such an expenditure by an institution tasked with upholding transparency and accountability, with many questioning the Lokpal’s commitment to its anti-corruption mandate.
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