The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) launched a scathing attack on Wednesday on the Lokpal of India, the country's anti-graft ombudsman, over reports that the body plans to acquire a fleet of luxury vehicles for its officials.

The AITC's official statement targeted an alleged proposal for the Lokpal to purchase BMW luxury sedans with an estimated total value of ₹5 crore, calling the move a stark contradiction of the institution's founding principles. The proposal has now become the centre of a major political controversy.

The party characterized the alleged expenditure as a symbol of the very graft the Lokpal was established to fight. The party specifically criticized the reported use of public funds for imported sedans, asserting that this sends a damaging message to the nation.

The party statement on X (formerly Twitter) said: "The irony couldn’t be more striking. The very body meant to fight corruption now wants to cruise around in BMWs worth ₹5 crore, not to serve the people, but to serve its own indulgence. The Lokpal, which was born out of India’s collective anger against graft, has now become a symbol of everything it was created to fight."

"Under @narendramodi, this institution has been reduced to a mockery of its purpose, first kept vacant for years, then filled with handpicked loyalists more interested in leather upholstery than in public probity. These are not watchdogs; they are lapdogs in luxury cars, driving straight over the idea of accountability."

"What message does this send to the nation? That corruption isn't to be fought, it's to be comfortably chauffeured around in imported sedans bought with public money. The erosion of integrity is never dramatic. It seeps in when those sworn to ensure honesty begin signing cheques for their own luxuries while turning a blind eye to the rot around them."

What is the controversy about?

The Lokpal of India has initiated a formal tender process to procure a fleet of high-end luxury vehicles for its officials. The institution, which is currently operating with a Chairman and six members, is seeking seven units of the long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series sedan.

The open tender, floated on October 16, specifically calls for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330Li 'M Sport' models in white color. According to the tender documents and manufacturer specifications, this long-wheelbase variant is designed to offer maximum cabin spaciousness and comfort within its class.

The on-road price for a single unit of the specified long-wheelbase sedan in Delhi is estimated at approximately ₹69.5 lakh. The procurement aims to provide a dedicated official vehicle for each of the institution’s members, including Chairman Justice AM Khanwilkar (retd).

The timeline for the bidding process is tight. The last date for bid submission is November 6, and prospective vendors must deposit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹10 lakh. The tender mandates that delivery of all seven vehicles must be completed "preferably two weeks but not later than 30 days" from the date the supply order is issued.

The Lokpal tender includes a rigorous requirement for vendor-supplied training. The selected vendor is required to conduct a comprehensive seven-day practical and theoretical training programme for the ombudsman’s drivers and designated staff at the vendor's exclusive cost.

This mandatory training, which must be finalized within 15 days of the vehicles' delivery, covers critical aspects such as familiarization with all controls, features, and safety systems, as well as emergency handling. Furthermore, the training requires a minimum of 50 to 100 kilometers of on-road practice for each driver.