Lokpal Scraps Plan for ₹4 Crore BMW Cars Amid Public Backlash
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The Lokpal has cancelled a contentious tender to purchase seven luxury BMW cars worth over ₹4 crore, nearly two months after its proposal sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The anti-graft ombudsman had initially floated a tender for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330Li cars on October 16, 2025, with the vehicles intended for the chairperson and six members of the Lokpal. The proposal drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused the Lokpal of prioritizing luxury over legitimacy. The off-road price of a BMW 330 Li LWB car is ₹60.45 lakh, excluding taxes and registration fees. According to government records, the tender was cancelled due to 'administrative reasons/issues', although the Lokpal has not publicly explained the reasons behind the decision. A full-bench resolution of the Lokpal, dated November 27, 2025, is believed to have contributed to the cancellation of the tender. The tender document required the selected vendor to provide comprehensive training for drivers and staff members on the safe operation of the BMW vehicles. The decision to cancel the tender has been welcomed by some, including Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who had called for the cancellation and suggested opting for electric vehicles manufactured in India. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, established the Lokpal to inquire and investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries. As of now, the body is headed by a chairperson and can have a maximum of eight members — four each judicial and non-judicial.
