The Lokpal's move to acquire seven luxury BMW cars has triggered a significant backlash, with Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) leading the charge in denouncing the decision. The anti-corruption ombudsman's office, responsible for investigating allegations of corruption against public officials, has invited open tenders for the supply of seven BMW 330Li cars, specifically the 'M Sport' model with a long wheelbase and in white color. The estimated cost of procuring these vehicles is approximately ₹5 crore, with each car priced at around ₹70 lakh.
The Congress party has strongly criticized this move, questioning the priorities and performance record of the institution. Several Congress leaders have voiced their concerns, highlighting the irony of an anti-corruption body indulging in what they perceive as extravagant spending.
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed took to social media platform X to express her outrage, stating, "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". She further implied that the Lokpal has become a symbolic entity filled with "corrupt officers enjoying taxpayers' money".
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Saral Patel challenged the Lokpal's effectiveness, questioning whether the institution has acted on even a single case in the last 11 years. The Kerala unit of the Congress party issued a statement that accused the original proponents of the India Against Corruption movement of "misleading the entire nation" and lamented the current state of the watchdog. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also questioned the move, asking "Why spend public money?".
The controversy has also drawn criticism from activists and social media users. Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, a prominent figure in the India Against Corruption movement, slammed the decision, accusing the government of weakening the Lokpal by keeping it vacant for many years and then appointing "servile members who are not bothered by graft & are happy with their luxuries". He further added that they are now buying ₹70L BMW cars for themselves.
The Lokpal's tender specifies that the selected vendor must conduct a comprehensive seven-day training program for the ombudsman's drivers and designated staff, covering vehicle controls, features, safety systems, and emergency handling. The vendor will bear the cost of this training. The last date for bid submission is November 6, and the delivery of the vehicles is expected within 30 days of the supply order.
The Lokpal was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to investigate corruption allegations against public officials. The institution currently has seven members, including Chairman Justice A M Khanwilkar (retd) and six other members. The sanctioned strength of the Lokpal is eight.
Critics argue that the purchase of luxury cars undermines the Lokpal's mission and raises concerns about the use of public funds. The controversy has ignited a debate about the effectiveness and independence of the anti-corruption body, with many questioning its commitment to transparency and accountability.
