Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)
New Delhi, Jan 27: Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has joined in slamming the government's move to sell 100 per cent stake of the national carrier Air India. The BJP MP is opposing the Centre's decision in a similar way as the Congress who claimed that the Modi government has no money and it is selling all assets.
In a tweet, Subramanian Swamy has said he will be forced to move the court calling the decision, 'anti-national.'
"Air India disinvestment process restarts today. THIS DEAL IS WHOLLY ANTI NATIONAL and I WILL FORCED TO GO TO COURT. WE CANNOT SELL OUR FAMILY SILVER (sic)," said Swamy.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Kapil Sibal also hit out at the government in a press conference and said, "When governments don't have money this is what they do. Govt of India has no money, growth is less than 5% and millions of rupees outstanding under MNREGA. This is what they will do, sell all the valuable assets we have."
On Monday the sale of 100 per cent stake in debt-laden Air India was announced by the government as it issued the preliminary bid document for the strategic disinvestment with the deadline for submitting an expression of interest set as March 17.
As part of the strategic disinvestment, Air India would also sell 100 per cent stake in low-cost airline Air India Express and 50 per cent shareholding in joint venture AISATS, as per bid document issued on Monday.
The winning bid would also get control over the management of the airline. The government has set March 17 as the deadline for submitting the expression of interest (EoI).