Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has questioned the centre for allegedly “discriminating” between state-owned and private airlines, and extended his “sympathies” to Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways.
“Even though Jet was a major competitor to Kingfisher at the time I feel sorry to see such a large private airline on the brink of failure when Government used 35K crores of public funds to bail out Air India. Just being a PSU is no excuse for discrimination,” Vijay Mallya tweeted.
Referring to his offer to repay 100 per cent of his loans, he owes to the banks, Mallya in a tweet said, “I invested hugely into Kingfisher which rapidly grew to become India’s largest and most awarded airline. True, Kingfisher borrowed from PSU Banks as well. I have offered to pay back 100 percent but am being criminally charged instead. Airline Karma?”
The fugitive businessman also questioned the banks saying, “Every time I say that I am willing to pay 100 percent back to the PSU Banks, media say I am spooked, terrified etc of extradition from the U.K. to India. I am willing to pay either way whether I am in London or in an Indian Jail. Why don’t Banks take the money I offered first?”
He also expressed solidarity with Naresh Goyal. “Even though we were fierce competitors, my sympathies go out to Naresh and Neeta Goyal who built Jet Airways that India should be extremely proud of. Fine Airline providing vital connectivity and class service. Sad that so many Airlines have bitten the dust in India. Why?” Mallya tweeted.
Mallya is accused of fraud and money laundering charges amounting to Rs. 9,000 crores in India.
