The purchase aims to provide a vehicle for each of Lokpal’s current members, including Chairman Justice AM Khanwilkar (retd) and six others.
Published Oct 22, 2025 | 2:05 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 22, 2025 | 2:05 PM
The Lokpal’s authorised strength is eight. Credit: lokpal.gov.in, iStock
Synopsis: Lokpal’s tender to procure seven BMW 3 Series cars worth ₹5 crore has sparked outrage from Opposition and anti-corruption activists. Critics, including Prashant Bhushan and P Chidambaram, question the anti-graft body’s priorities and effectiveness, highlighting its lavish expenditure amid accusations of inaction. The tender, issued on 16 October, demands a seven-day driver training programme.
The anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal has issued a tender to acquire seven luxurious BMW cars, valued at approximately ₹5 crore, prompting criticism from Opposition and anti-corruption crusaders who questioned the institution’s priorities.
As per the tender and the manufacturer’s website, the long-wheelbase sedan has an on-road price of about ₹69.5 lakh per unit in Delhi. It is described as the longest and most spacious car in its segment, designed for exceptional comfort and high-end interior.
“The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed agencies for supply of seven BMW 3 series 330Li cars to the Lokpal of India,” read the tender issued on 16 October, specifying the procurement of the ‘M Sport’ model with a “long wheelbase” and in white.
The purchase aims to provide a vehicle for each of the institution’s current members, including Chairman Justice AM Khanwilkar (retd) and six others. The Lokpal’s authorised strength is eight.
The tender stipulates that the chosen supplier must deliver a comprehensive seven-day training programme, covering both practical and theoretical aspects, for the watchdog’s drivers and designated staff, with all costs borne by the vendor.
This training, to be completed within 15 days of the vehicles’ delivery, must include “familiarisation with all controls, features and safety systems”, “emergency handling”, and at least 50 to 100 kilometres of on-road practice for each driver.
The deadline for bid submissions is 6 November, with an earnest money deposit of ₹10 lakh required from bidders. Delivery is expected “preferably within two weeks but no later than 30 days” from the date of the supply order, per the tender.
Congress leaders and anti-graft activists condemned the decision, labelling it as extravagant and contrary to the institution’s mission.
Public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan launched a fierce critique, accusing the government of undermining the institution.
“The institution of Lokpal has been ground to dust by the Modi government, 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!” Bhushan said on X.
Meanwhile, Congress raised concerns about the Lokpal’s track record and linked it to the protest movement that preceded the government’s formation.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram asked why public funds should be spent on luxury vehicles.
“When Honourable judges of the Supreme Court are provided modest sedans, why do the Chairman and six members of the Lokpal require BMW cars? Why spend public money to acquire these cars? I hope that at least one or two members of the Lokpal have refused, or will refuse, to accept these cars,” Chidambaram said.
When Honourable judges of the Supreme Court are provided modest sedans, why do the Chairman and six members of the Lokpal require BMW cars?
Why spend public money to acquire these cars?
I hope that at least one or two members of the Lokpal have refused, or will refuse, to…
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 22, 2025
Congress spokeperson Shama Mohamed said, “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.”
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.…
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 21, 2025
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose went straight for the jugular. She minced no words while drawing attention to the Lokpal chairperson’s judicial record.
“A tender has been placed for SEVEN luxury BMW cars by the Lokpal. Instead of investigating corruption, Lokpal seems to be indulging in extravagance. Terrible optics. Important note: Lokpal is Justice AM Khanwilkar whose last judgement before retiring gave ED sweeping powers in PMLA cases,” she said in a post on X.
A tender has been placed for SEVEN luxury BMW cars by the Lok Pal. Instead of investigating corruption, Lok Pal seems to be indulging in extravagance. Terrible optics. Important note: Lok Pal is Justice A.M Khanwilkar whose last judgement before retiring gave ED sweeping powers…
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) October 21, 2025
(Curated by Amit Vasudev)
