Controversy Arises Over Lokpal's Tender for Luxury BMW Cars

Lokpal's Tender Sparks Debate

New Delhi. The anti-corruption body Lokpal has issued a tender for the purchase of seven luxury BMW cars for its members, igniting a fresh debate. The Congress party has criticized the Modi government over this issue.

Criticism from Congress Leaders

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram has expressed disapproval of Lokpal's decision. He questioned the necessity of BMW cars for the Lokpal chairman and its six members when Supreme Court judges are provided with modest sedans. The cars mentioned in the tender are valued at approximately ₹70 lakh each.

Concerns Over Public Spending

Chidambaram took to the social media platform X to voice his concerns, asking why public funds should be used for these cars. He expressed hope that at least one or two members would refuse to purchase them.

A Sad Irony, Says Abhishek Singhvi

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi also commented on X, lamenting the irony of an anti-corruption body ordering luxury BMWs for its members. He noted that since its establishment in 2019, Lokpal has received 8,703 applications, resulting in only 24 investigations and six prosecutions approved.

Background of the Controversy

On October 16, a notification was released announcing an open tender for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series Li cars. Reports indicate that BMW will also provide a seven-day training session for Lokpal's drivers and staff. Following the announcement of this tender, the opposition began to criticize the government.

Leadership of Lokpal

It is noteworthy that the chairman of Lokpal is former Supreme Court judge Justice A.M. Khanwilkar. The members include retired judges Justice L. Narayan Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, along with former Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and retired bureaucrats Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirki.