The Lokpal of India has become the center of controversy after issuing a tender to procure seven luxury BMW 3 Series 330 Li cars, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and civil activists alike. The official tender, released on October 16, 2025, through the Central Public Procurement portal, invites bids from reputed suppliers for vehicles estimated to cost around ₹70 lakh each, bringing the total expenditure to nearly ₹5 crore.indianexpress+5
The Tender Details
According to the tender notice, the seven cars are designated for the Lokpal Chairperson and six members, with delivery expected within two weeks—no later than 30 days—from the issuance of the supply order. Each vehicle must be a BMW 330 Li, Sport (Long Wheelbase) model, finished in white, and supplied with full training provisions for the Lokpal’s drivers. The vendor selected will be required to conduct a week-long practical and theoretical training program covering vehicle operation and maintenance, entirely at its own cost.newindianexpress+2
Public Backlash and Political Reactions
The move has sparked outrage, particularly given the Lokpal’s mandate as India’s top anti-corruption watchdog. Critics argue that purchasing high-end cars undermines the credibility of an institution meant to guard against misuse of public funds. Congress leader P. Chidambaram questioned why even Supreme Court judges use modest sedans while the Lokpal seeks luxury vehicles. Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan went further, accusing the Modi government of turning the Lokpal into “a parking slot for complacent officials” and called the procurement “tone-deaf” amid widespread corruption scandals.indiatoday+3
Sandeep Dikshit also criticized the Lokpal for ignoring “Make in India” alternatives and spending taxpayer money on imported luxury cars, while Telangana Congress leader Sama Ram Mohan Reddy labeled the move “an insult to public accountability”. On social media, the issue trending under hashtags like #LuxuryForWatchdogs and #LokpalBMWControversy generated widespread anger and memes targeting institutional hypocrisy.youtubehindustantimes+1
Lokpal’s Justification
Officials associated with the Lokpal defended the procurement, stating it was carried out “transparently and in line with norms applicable for autonomous constitutional bodies”. They clarified that existing vehicles were outdated and replacements were necessary for official mobility. The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) was fixed at ₹10 lakh, which aligns with standard procurement protocols for projects of this size. The Lokpal’s office in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj Institutional Area is slated to receive all vehicles once the tender process concludes by early November.lawbeat+1
Governance and Symbolism
Despite procedural correctness, the optics of an anti-corruption agency seeking luxury sedans have raised broader questions about governance ethics and institutional restraint. Governance analysts argue that the Lokpal, which has faced criticism for minimal investigation output since its inception under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, risks eroding public confidence through such expenditure. Critics highlight the irony of an anti-graft agency appearing to indulge in the very extravagance it is meant to audit.hindustantimes+3
For readers seeking to learn more about the controversy and related legal frameworks, visit the Lokpal official website (inlink) or read detailed coverage on The Indian Express (outlink) and India Today (outlink).
In summary, the Lokpal’s ₹5 crore luxury car tender reflects a growing disconnect between institutional values and public expectations. While technically compliant with procurement norms, the decision has dealt a symbolic blow to the image of India’s top anti-corruption body, rekindling debates about transparency, accountability, and the ethical governance standards expected of public watchdogs.business-standard+3
