P Chidambaram Questions Use of Public Funds for Luxury Vehicles
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has sharply criticized the Lokpal’s decision to procure luxury BMW sedans for its chairperson and members, raising concerns over the use of public funds for high-end vehicles.
He questioned the rationale behind such an extravagant purchase when even Supreme Court judges are provided with modest sedans. “When Honourable judges of the Supreme Court are provided modest sedans, why do the Chairman and six members of the Lokpal require BMW cars? Why spend public money to acquire these cars? I hope that at least one or two members of the Lokpal have refused, or will refuse, to accept these cars,” he remarked.
Lokpal Floats Tender for BMW 330 Li Sedans
The Office of the Lokpal of India has initiated a public tender process for acquiring BMW 330 Li (Long Wheelbase) luxury sedans, each priced above ₹60 lakh. According to the official notice, the vehicles are intended to meet the “administrative and operational” requirements of the institution.
The tender invites public bids and is part of Lokpal’s broader efforts to streamline its logistics and internal functioning. The evaluation of bids is expected to commence on November 7.
Estimated ₹5 Crore Deal Raises Eyebrows
Sources indicate that the total procurement will cost over ₹5 crore for all seven vehicles. Once delivered, BMW will reportedly provide a minimum of seven days of detailed training to Lokpal’s drivers and staff, focusing on the vehicles’ systems and operation.
Despite the procedural formality of the open tender, the decision has drawn significant political fire, especially in the current socio-political climate.
Political Leaders Lash Out at ‘Luxury’ Move
Critics from the Congress party and beyond have not held back. Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit questioned the logic of purchasing imported luxury vehicles, especially when the government champions the “Make in India” initiative. He tweeted, “Lokpal is a defunct organisation. It has hardly addressed any corruption cases. BJP accused the UPA govt of corruption—the least Lokpal could have done is investigate those claims. Why go for such luxury cars?”
He further suggested the institution has become a “parking spot for post-retirement jobs” and called for its dissolution.
Sama Ram Mohan Reddy Highlights Ineffectiveness of Lokpal
Congress leader from Telangana, Sama Ram Mohan Reddy, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the Lokpal’s lack of action over the past 11 years. “The Lokpal, which was supposed to fight corruption in India, is now buying seven luxury BMW cars worth ₹5 crore for its own use. Has anyone ever heard of them solving even a single corruption case during the 11 years of the Narendra Modi government?” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Amitabh Kant Urges Shift to Indigenous Electric Vehicles
Adding a policy-level perspective, Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, joined the chorus of critics. He recommended that the Lokpal cancel the tender altogether and instead invest in Indian-made electric vehicles, aligning with sustainable and nationalistic goals. “They need to cancel this tender and go in for @makeinindia Electric Vehicles—either Mahindra’s XUV 9E, BE 6 or Tata’s Harrier EV. These are top-class vehicles,” he suggested.
