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‘Go in for make-in-India EVs’: Amitabh Kant to Lokpal after BMWs tender
Amitabh Kant had earlier called for the Lokpal of India to “cancel” the tender and go for the 'top-class' make in India electric vehicles.
Amid the row over a public tender floated by the Lokpal of India, seeking to acquire seven high-end BMW 330 Li vehicles, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant asked authorities to cancel the tender and called for supporting make-in-India electric vehicles instead.
The tender notice, dated October 16, regarding the procurement of luxury vehicles from India's anti-corruption ombudsman triggered a massive backlash.
"The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed Agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series Li Cars to the Lokpal of India," the notice reads. The Lokpal wants these cars, each costing over ₹60 lakh, to preferably be delivered within two weeks, and no later than 30 days from the date of order.
ALSO READ | ‘Why spend public money?’: Chidambaram slams Lokpal over tender to purchase BMW cars
Citing the Lokpal's public tender, Amitabh Kant, who has served as India's G20 sherpa from July 2022 to June 2025, said on Tuesday they "need to cancel this tender".
"They need to cancel this tender and go in for @makeinindia Electric Vehicles - either Mahindra's XEV 9E, BE 6 or Tata's Harrier EV. They are top class vehicles," Kant said in a post on X.
On Wednesday night, Kant, in a post on X, said he has switched to the Mahindra XEV9, "embracing born electric mobility. It has a highly innovative design, advanced EV technology and superb driving performance".
"Delighted to contribute to India's journey towards a greener future while supporting #MakeInIndia innovation and manufacturing. The shift to EVs is not just about vehicles - it is about powering India's progress with cleaner air, advanced technology, and a robust domestic industry," Kant added.
He insisted that those "wanting to buy BMWs" should instead switch to the make in India EV experience. "It will elevate you to another level," he added.
ALSO READ | Lokpal wants 7 luxury BMW cars, request sparks massive outrage
Earlier, activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan slammed the Lokpal over its BMW tender. He said that the institution has been "ground to dust by the Modi government", which he said has kept it vacant for several years before filling it with "servile members who are not bothered by graft and are happy with their luxuries".
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had also questioned the tender moved by the Lokpal of India, asserting that even the Supreme Court judges are provided modest sedans.
"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 wrote on X.
