A significant controversy has erupted following a public tender issued by the Lokpal of India, which aims to acquire seven high-end BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) vehicles. The tender, dated October 16, has ignited a firestorm of public anger regarding the purchase of these luxury cars by the nation’s anti-corruption ombudsman.
The official notice 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.” The bidding process was set to begin on October 17 and conclude on November 6 at 3 pm, with the evaluation commencing on November 7. Each vehicle is priced at over ₹60 lakh, and the Lokpal expects delivery within two weeks, or no later than 30 days from the supply order date, with no extensions permitted.
Additionally, the tender requires the selected vendor to provide a comprehensive seven-day training program for the Lokpal’s drivers and designated staff. This training, which must be completed within 15 days of car delivery, will include both classroom and on-road sessions, with all associated costs to be borne solely by the vendor.
Driver Training Mandated
As per the tender’s specifications, the vendor is responsible for organizing and conducting a thorough practical and theoretical training program for the drivers and other relevant staff members of the anti-corruption ombudsman. The program is mandated to be at least seven days long and must be completed within 15 days of the vehicles’ delivery. The notice explicitly states that all costs related to the training, including trainer fees, travel, accommodation, fuel, materials, and logistics, must be exclusively covered by the vendor.
Public Condemnation Mounts
The Lokpal’s request for luxury vehicles has been met with considerable backlash on social media platforms. Many individuals, including activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, have strongly criticized the anti-corruption body. Bhushan commented on X, “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 also voiced her disapproval, stating 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.”