‘Those wanting to buy BMWs…’: Amitabh Kant switches to Mahindra XEV9 amid Lokpal row
Amitabh Kant, in a post, urged those considering foreign brand cars such as BMW to switch over and join the Make in India campaign. He also shared photos of his newly purchased Mahindra XEV9.
Amitabh Kant, former CEO of the Niti Aayog and India's last G20 Sherpa, has encouraged electric vehicle buyers in India to opt for Made in India cars.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kant shared photos of his new Mahindra XEV9 and urged those considering brands such as BMW to “switchover” and join the Make in India campaign.
Notably, Kant's encouragement to buy local, and apparent naming of BMWs, comes after documents showed that the Lokpal of India is looking to buy seven high-end BMW luxury cars worth ₹60 lakh each, and has floated an official tender for the same.
‘Those wanting BMWs should switchover…’ says Amitabh Kant
“I have just switched to the Mahindra XEV 9, embracing born electric mobility. It has a highly innovative design, advanced EV technology and superb driving performance,” Kant wrote about his vehicle of choice on October 22.
He added, “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.”
“Those wanting to buy BMWs should switchover to @makeinIndia EV experience. It will elevate you to another level,” the former policy maker said.
Lokpal seeking BMWs? What we know…
As per documents seen by Mint, the corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal of India, has issued an official tender for purchasing seven high-end BMW luxury cars worth ₹60 lakh each. The notice, dated October 16, 2025, invited open tenders from agencies for the supply of seven white-coloured BMW 3 Series 330 Li cars.
The luxury vehicles are part of BMW's 3 Series Long Wheel-Base (LWB) line-up, with an on-road price of around ₹70 lakh.
Prior to Amitabh Kant, activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan and Congress leaders such as Telangana Congress leader Sama Ram Mohan Reddy slammed the anti-corruption body for its decision in posts on X.
What does the Lokpal's tender say?
- Bids will open on November 7, 2025, at 4 pm.
- Parties must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹10 lakh to participate in the tender.
- Delivery of the seven BMW 3 Series 330 Li cars is preferred within two weeks and not later than 30 days from the date of the supply order.
- There is also a strict requirement for the winning vendor to provide comprehensive training to the Lokpal's designated drivers and staff for a minimum of seven days. The drivers will also have to complete a minimum of 50-100 km of driving under the trainers' supervision.
- The tender also states that the entire cost of the training, including trainers' fees, travel, accommodation and fuel must be borne exclusively by the vendor, with the Lokpal bearing “no additional expenditure”.