A major controversy has erupted after the Lokpal of India — the country’s top anti-corruption watchdog — issued a public tender seeking to purchase seven BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) cars.
The tender, dated October 16, has triggered widespread criticism and questions about government accountability, especially since each vehicle costs over ₹60 lakh, with the total purchase exceeding ₹5 crore.
According to the Central Public Procurement Portal, the tender invites bids from “reputed agencies” for the supply of BMW 3 Series Li cars.
Bid submission start date: October 17
Last date for submission: November 6 (3 pm)
Bid evaluation: Begins November 7
The Lokpal has also stated that delivery of the vehicles should ideally be completed within two weeks, and no later than 30 days from the date of the supply order.
“No extension of time will be given,” the notice warns. Each car costs more than ₹60 lakh and must be accompanied by a mandatory driver training programme.
Mandatory seven-day driver training requirement
The tender also mandates that the selected vendor conduct a “comprehensive practical and theoretical training programme” for Lokpal drivers and staff members.
The seven-day training must be completed within 15 days of car delivery, including both classroom and on-road practical sessions.
Importantly, the entire cost of the training, including the trainer’s honorarium, travel, accommodation, fuel, materials, and logistics, will be borne exclusively by the vendor.
Public backlash and political reactions
The luxury car purchase has drawn sharp criticism from activists and opposition leaders, who accused the Lokpal of indulging in extravagance instead of focusing on fighting corruption.
Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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!”
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed also condemned the move, calling it hypocritical: “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 tender remains open for submissions until November 6, and officials have not yet issued a formal response to the growing criticism.
