India’s anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal has withdrawn a controversial tender for the purchase of seven BMW luxury cars following sustained criticism from opposition parties and civil society figures over the proposed use of public funds.
Officials said on Thursday that the decision to scrap the tender process was taken by the entire Lokpal Council and formalized through a correction issued on December 16, 2025 – almost two months after the procurement process began.
Offer withdrawn after criticism mounted
Lokpal issued a request for tender on October 16, 2025 inviting bids from reputed agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330Li cars. The vehicles were to be individually allocated to the chairman and six members of the institution.
The move quickly drew a backlash, with critics questioning the body’s optics, which were tasked with maintaining integrity, opting for top-of-the-range luxury cars. Opposition leaders have accused the institution of undermining its own moral authority, with some calling the purchase inconsistent with the mandate of the Lokpal.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh mocked the decision by calling the institution “Shauq Pal”, while former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant publicly called on the Lokpal to scrap the tender process and consider Indian-made electric vehicles instead.
Details of the proposed purchase
According to the original tender documents, Lokpal was looking for long-wheelbase BMW 330Li “M Sport” models in white. The estimated road cost of seven vehicles in New Delhi was around ₹5 million crowns.
The order was to serve the office of the Lokpal chairman — currently headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice AM Khanwilkar — and six members. By law, the Lokpal can have a maximum of eight members, consisting of an equal number of judges and non-judicial persons.
Training provisions are also outlined
Detailed requirements for driver training were also set out in the tender. The selected dealer was to conduct both practical and theoretical training programs for drivers and designated personnel, including classroom instruction and on-road driving.
These lessons were to include familiarization with the controls, functions and safety systems of the BMW 330Li M Sport, practical operational training such as parking and emergency controls, and advice on fuel consumption parameters and driving modes.
Reputation course correction
While the Lokpal did not publicly state the reasons for canceling the tender, officials said the decision followed internal deliberations at the highest level of the institution. The withdrawal is seen as an attempt to defuse the controversy and restore public confidence in an organization whose credibility relies heavily on perceptions of restraint and integrity.
