Luxury Cars for Lokpal: Integrity Guardians Under Fire

The decision by India’s anti-graft ombudsman, Lokpal, to acquire seven luxury BMW cars has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Critics argue the move is at odds with the body’s anti-corruption mandate. Questions arise about priorities as public funds spend on such lavish expenditures.

In a controversial move, Lokpal, India's anti-corruption watchdog, has faced strong criticism from the opposition after issuing a tender for seven high-end BMW cars. This decision has sparked debate over the adherence to its original mission of integrity and anti-corruption.

Congress leaders have vocally condemned the luxury vehicle procurement as wasteful, questioning why such extravagance is necessary when Supreme Court judges use modest sedans. This criticism was echoed widely, as analysts note a significant portion of Lokpal's budget is being allocated towards this purchase.

Adding to the uproar, the tender mandates extensive training for drivers, further highlighting concerns about resource allocation. Critics urge a reassessment of priorities, calling for a focus on corruption investigations rather than luxurious expenditures.

(With inputs from agencies.)