Amitabh Kant Advocates for Indian-Made EVs Amid Lokpal's BMW Procurement Controversy

Amitabh Kant announced his Mahindra EV purchase amid the ongoing Lokpal controversy. (Image on right is AI-generated)

New Delhi:

During the controversy surrounding Lokpal's plan to acquire seven BMW luxury vehicles for its members, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has revealed his transition to an electric vehicle, suggesting that those interested in BMWs should consider switching to India-manufactured EVs instead.

"I have just switched to the Mahindra XEV9, embracing born electric mobility. It features innovative design, advanced EV technology and excellent driving performance," stated Kant, who served as the Sherpa for the 2023 G20 summit in Delhi, in his social media post on X. He included photographs with his new vehicle.

"I'm pleased to contribute to India's progression toward a greener future while supporting #MakeInIndia innovation and manufacturing. Transitioning to EVs extends beyond vehicles - it's about advancing India with cleaner air, advanced technology, and strengthening domestic industry," Kant expressed.

He further remarked, "Those wanting to buy BMWs should switchover to @makeinIndia EV experience. It will elevate you to another level."

Previously, Kant suggested that the Lokpal should cancel their tender and opt for Electric Vehicles such as Mahindra's XEV 9E, BE 6, or Tata Harrier EV, describing them as "top-class vehicles."

The anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal's decision to procure seven BMW luxury sedans, each valued at Rs 70 lakh, has sparked significant controversy, with many questioning the appropriateness of such expenditure of public funds.

Among the critics of Lokpal's BMW acquisition plan are prominent Congress leaders and Rajya Sabha MPs P Chidambaram and Abhishek Singhvi.

Chidambaram, former Home Minister, questioned why Lokpal's chairman and its six members require BMW cars when Supreme Court judges use modest sedans.

"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," he stated on X.

Singhvi, who chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Lokpal and whose father conceptualized the idea of Lokpal in the 1960s, commented: "To see this anti-corruption body now ordering BMWs for its members is tragic irony, the guardians of integrity chasing luxury over legitimacy."

The Congress leader highlighted that since its establishment in 2019, Lokpal has received 8,703 complaints resulting in only 24 investigations and 6 prosecution sanctions.

"And now, BMWs worth Rs 70 lakh each. If this is our anti-corruption watchdog, it's more poodle than panther," Singhvi remarked on X.

In a notification dated October 16, the Lokpal invited open tenders for seven BMW 3 Series Li cars. Reports indicate that BMW will also provide seven days of training to Lokpal drivers and staff.

The current chairperson of the Lokpal is former Supreme Court judge Justice AM Khanwilkar. Its members include retired judges Justice L Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, former Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, and retired bureaucrats Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey.