‘Those wanting to buy BMWs...’: Amitabh Kant buys Mahindra XEV 9e EV amid Lokpal car row      

I have just switched to the Mahindra XEV9, embracing born electric mobility, Amitabh Kant said

Amid the controversy surrounding the Lokpal’s move to procure seven BMW luxury cars for its members, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has made a statement of his own, by switching to a 'Make in India' electric vehicle, Mahindra XEV 9e electric SUV

Amitabh Kant in a post on X, sharing photos of his new car wrote, “I have just switched to the Mahindra XEV9, embracing born electric mobility. It has a highly innovative design, advanced EV technology & 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,” he added.

I have just switched to the Mahindra XEV9, embracing born electric mobility. It has a highly innovative design, advanced EV technology & superb driving performance.

Delighted to contribute to India’s journey towards a greener future while supporting #MakeInIndia innovation and… pic.twitter.com/x9M9SJyQdK

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— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) October 22, 2025

Taking a subtle dig at the ongoing row, Amitabn Kant further remarked, “Those wanting to buy BMWs should switch over to the @makeinIndia EV experience. It will elevate you to another level.”

A major controversy erupted after the anti-graft ombudsman Lokpal floated a tender to procure seven luxurious BMW cars, collectively worth around Rs 5 crore, for its members.

“The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed agencies for supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330Li cars to the Lokpal of India,” read the tender.

It specified procurement of the 'M Sport' model with a “long wheelbase” in white colour. According to BMW’s own specifications, the 3 Series long wheelbase is designed for “outstanding comfort in an extremely luxurious cabin.”

The on-road price of the BMW 330Li M Sport is around Rs 69.5 lakh in New Delhi.

As per the tender document dated October 16, the selected vendor will also be required to conduct a seven-day training programme for Lokpal’s designated drivers, covering familiarisation with controls, safety systems, and driving modes, as well as emergency handling and basic troubleshooting.

The Lokpal currently has seven members, including a chairman, against its sanctioned strength of eight.

The bid submission deadline is November 6, with the bid opening on the following day. The cars are to be delivered within 30 days of the supply order, with “no extension of time” permitted.

*With Agency Inputs