Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram raised concerns on Wednesday over the Lokpal’s reported decision to purchase seven luxury BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) cars for its use. He pointed out that even judges of the Supreme Court are given modest sedans, questioning the necessity of such expensive vehicles for Lokpal members. “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,” Chidambaram stated on X.
The Lokpal of India’s office has begun the procurement process by issuing a public tender for these high-end cars-a step initiated on October 16 to bolster the anti-corruption body’s administrative and logistical framework. The tender invites bids from suppliers, with each vehicle priced at over ₹60 lakh. Bid evaluations are set to commence on November 7, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Reports indicate that the Lokpal intends to acquire seven BMW 330 Li vehicles, with the total expenditure anticipated to surpass ₹5 crores. Upon delivery, BMW is expected to conduct a week-long training program for the Lokpal’s drivers and staff, which will cover the vehicles’ systems, safety features, and operational guidelines.
This procurement is part of the Lokpal’s broader initiative to enhance its transport and administrative capabilities. The Lokpal, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, serves as an independent anti-corruption authority in India. It was created to uphold public interest and investigate corruption allegations at the national level, following the Jan Lokpal movement led by social activist Anna Hazare in 2010.
Currently, Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar, a former Supreme Court judge, chairs the Lokpal. The institution is empowered to investigate corruption complaints against various high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament, as well as central government employees across different groups. Its jurisdiction extends to individuals and entities established by law or funded by the central government, including organizations receiving foreign contributions above ₹10 lakh. While the Lokpal operates at the national level, similar bodies, known as Lokayuktas, address corruption issues at the state level.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/national-news/why-spend-public-money-p-chidambaram-after-lokpal-floats-tender-to-purchase-bmw-luxury-cars
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Publish Date: 2025-10-23 14:38:00
