Lokpal Wants Seven BMW Cars Worth Rs. 70 Lakh Each, Opposition Leaders, Activists Slam Move
New Delhi: A tender issued by the Lokpal of India seeks to procure seven BMW cars worth Rs 70 lakh each, a move that has resulted in criticism from activists and the opposition for chasing luxury.
“The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed Agencies for supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330 Li Cars to the Lokpal of India," says the tender document dated October 16, also specifying the model required as Sport (Long Wheelbase) and in white colour, reported CNN-News18.
According to the News18 report, the market on-road price of the car is around Rs 70 lakh, which would make the total cost of procuring the seven cars to around Rs. 5 crore.
The anti-corruption ombudsman wants the cars to be delivered at its office in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj Institutional Area within preferably two weeks but not later than 30 days from the date of issuing of the supply order by the Lokpal.
At present, retired Supreme Court judge, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar is the chairperson, Lokpal.
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase was launched in India earlier this year. It is the longest car in its segment with the most spacious second seat row.
“The most luxurious rear seat experience with the longest wheelbase in this segment," says the BMW website about the car model.
The tender also mentions that the selected vendor or firm which is awarded the tender, will also need to conduct a detailed practical and theoretical training programme for drivers and other designated staff members of the Lokpal of India, reported News18.
Reacting to the development, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Sanghvi wrote on X, “I chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Lokpal. Dr. L.M. Singhvi first conceived idea of Lokpal in the early 1960s. To see this anti-corruption body now ordering BMWs for its members is tragic irony, the guardians of integrity chasing luxury over legitimacy.”
“8,703 complaints. Only 24 probes. 6 prosecution sanctions. And now, BMWs worth ₹70 lakh each. If this is our anti-corruption watchdog, it’s more poodle than panther!” added Singhvi.
“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!” activist Prashant Bhushan posted on X.
There are eight sanctioned posts in the Lokpal, though at present, other than the chairman, it has six members instead of seven.
This article went live on October twenty-second, two thousand twenty five, at thirty-nine minutes past four in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
