A major controversy has erupted after reports surfaced that Lokpal of India is set to purchase seven luxury BMW sedans for its chairperson and members, triggering widespread criticism from politicians, activists, and citizens alike.
According to a public tender notice, the anti-corruption body has invited bids for the supply of seven units of BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine 330Li Sport, estimated to cost around ₹70 lakh each — totaling approximately ₹5 crore. This expenditure reportedly represents nearly 10% of Lokpal’s entire annual budget of ₹44.32 crore.
Political Leaders Call Out “Irony” of Luxury for Anti-Corruption Body
Several prominent political figures took to social media to question the extravagant purchase.
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram raised a pointed comparison:
“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.”
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…
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 22, 2025
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the move “Gazab ka Jokepal,” sarcastically referring to the body as a joke at taxpayers’ expense. She also questioned the government’s earlier call for “Swadeshi” goods, pointing to the use of imported luxury cars.
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale highlighted the budgetary impact:
“Lokpal is purchasing 7 luxury BMW cars at approx ₹5 crores for all members. This equals 10% of the ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET. Lokpal is supposedly an anti-corruption body. So who will probe the corrupt Lokpal?”
Remembering the Origins of Lokpal
The outrage also rekindled memories of the 2011 anti-corruption movement, which led to the creation of the Lokpal. Indian National Congress Kerala tweeted:
“Remember the Anna Hazare Lokpal movement? The Lokpal that Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal had proposed was meant to be a constitutional authority above the Prime Minister… Now, the very Lokpal, once projected as the ultimate anti-corruption watchdog, is busy indulging in luxuries and remains a silent spectator to large-scale corruption.”
The Lokpal institution was envisioned as an independent and moral watchdog against corruption in public life. To many critics, the purchase of high-end cars for its top officials symbolizes a deviation from that original vision.
Voices Beyond Party Lines
Notably, criticism wasn’t limited to one political camp. Commentator Shefali Vaidya wrote:
“Why does an ‘anti-corruption ombudsmen’ entity need BMW cars at taxpayer’s expense? This nonsense has GOT TO stop!”
Veteran lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi, who once chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Lokpal, called the move a “tragic irony”:
“To see this anti-corruption body now ordering BMWs for its members is tragic irony — the guardians of integrity chasing luxury over legitimacy.”
I chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Lokpal. Dr. L.M. Singhvi first conceived idea of Lokpal in the early 1960s. To see this anti-corruption body now ordering BMWs for its members is tragic irony, the guardians of integrity chasing luxury over legitimacy.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) October 21, 2025
Public Sentiment: “Guardians of Integrity or Seekers of Comfort?”
Many citizens on social media echoed the anger, calling the purchase an unnecessary indulgence when the country is grappling with unemployment and economic distress.
Critics argue that if the judiciary — one of the highest constitutional authorities — functions with modest vehicle allocations, there is little justification for an anti-corruption body to seek premium foreign cars.
The tender specifies all cars must be white, long-wheelbase models, highlighting an emphasis on luxury and comfort.
Broader Questions Raised
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Should publicly funded institutions set an example of frugality and integrity?
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Does such expenditure erode public trust in anti-corruption bodies?
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Who holds watchdog institutions accountable when their actions invite allegations of misuse of funds?
This episode has not only drawn criticism from across the political spectrum but also revived debates about the accountability of the Lokpal, an institution that was once born out of mass protests against corruption.
Conclusion
While no official statement has been issued yet by the Lokpal on the rationale for purchasing these vehicles, the public and political backlash is growing rapidly. What was once hailed as a symbol of clean governance is now under scrutiny for its own spending choices.
As one critic put it bluntly: “The guardians of integrity must lead by example, not luxury.”
