Subramanian Swamy raises possibility of scam in AI privatisation

Mumbai: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has alleged that there could be a scam pertaining to the proposed privatisation of Air India. Mr Swamy’s comments come in the wake of an indication of the move by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in an interview on Friday.

Mr Swamy tweeted on Saturday, “The proposed sale of Air India is potentially another scam in the making. Selling family silver is not divestment. I am watching who is doing what and will, if I see culpability, file a private criminal law complaint.”

In light of this, if the government goes ahead with the move, it is bound to face the heat from the BJP leader as well as the Opposition. 

Mr Swamy’s reference to Mr Jaitley’s statement may also create a reaction among the employees, which is the last thing the government is looking for. Considering the Lok Sabha elections next year, the government may not prefer to push the decision, said sources. 

The comment is being viewed by political analysts as an indication of the BJP government’s intention to privatise the national carrier, which has a debt burden of Rs 50,000 crore. 

The government doesn’t want to take responsibility and may take steps in the near future regarding this. But it will be a politically difficult decision, sources have said.