Keeping the chopper issue alive in the lok Sabha, BJP MP Meenashi lekhi, who has also given a notice for discussion on the VVIP chopper scam, on Thursday expressed concern over the reported misuse of the media by the Italian company which, she said had earmarked Rs50 crore for the purpose to clinch the VVIP chopper deal.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, lekhi suggested that middleman Christian Michel had been given the amount to “manage” the media.
Amid strong protests from the Congress for allowing raising the issue, lekhi said it was unfortunate that the media which is an organ of healthy democracy has been “misused”.
“It amounts to misuse of the Freedom of Expression. It is irresponsible as the media is part of democratic structure,” she remarked.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, supported by party colleagues, protested to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. “I respect you much. You should not have allowed this. Please don’t do this,” he was heard remarking.
Amid the protests, the Speaker adjourned the House for the lunch recess.
Reports had it Christian 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.