Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha yesterday, BJP expressed concern over the reported misuse of media by the Italian company
The Milan court had noted that Michel was paid over 44 million euros by AgustaWestland for various contracts, which included a deal to supply spare parts for Indian naval helicopters and a post-contract service deal for the VVIP chopper contract
New Delhi: BJP yesterday raised the AgustaWestland issue in Lok Sabha, expressing concern over the reported misuse of media by the Italian company, which had earmarked R50 crore to clinch the VVIP chopper deal.
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The Milan court had noted that Michel was paid over 44 million euros by AgustaWestland for various contracts, which included a deal to supply spare parts for Indian naval helicopters and a post-contract service deal for the VVIP chopper contract. PIC FOR Representation/AFP
Raising the issue during zero hour, BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi suggested that the middleman Christian Michel had been given the amount to ‘manage’ the media. Amid strong protests from Congress, Lekhi said it was unfortunate that media, which is an organ of healthy democracy, has been “misused.”
“It amounts to misuse of the freedom of expression. It is irresponsible as media is part of democratic structure”, she remarked. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, supported by party colleagues, protested to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Amid the protests, the Speaker adjourned the House for the lunch recess.
Reports had it that Michel, a British businessman and an alleged middleman in the deal, was paid millions of dollars by AgustaWestland. A large portion of the money paid by AgustaWestland to Michel is “completely disproportionate” to the work he did for the company, the Milan Court of Appeals has held. Interpol issued a red corner notice against Michel on India’s request in December 2015.
The Milan court had noted that Michel was paid over 44 million euros by AgustaWestland for various contracts, which included a deal to supply spare parts for Indian naval helicopters and a post-contract service deal for the VVIP chopper contract.
India approaches UK Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said India has approached the British government for extradition of Christian Michel. He said that the matter is under consideration of the concerned British authorities.
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