Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya on Saturday claimed he had always been available and whatever settlement has been reached (between the Kingfisher Airlines management and the employees) was because of his participation.
Speaking at the Formula One races, Mallya, who also controls United Spirits, which is in talks to sell a stake to UK giant Diageo Plc, said no deal had been done yet. ?Whenever we need to say something, we will. We keep discussing but we don?t know whether a deal will happen or not,? he said.
The liquor and aviation tycoon, no longer a billionaire according to the latest Forbes list, flew in from London on his private Airbus after suggestions that he might stay away to avoid having it impounded.
?Was there any doubt about my presence here?? he said, minutes after walking through the paddock turnstiles with cars roaring around the Buddh circuit as final practice got under way.
Mallya?s Kingfisher Airlines had its licence suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation last week. Mallya has not been seen in India for weeks and the airlines troubles, as well as a threat of protests by Kingfisher employees outside the Formula One circuit, have led to speculation about whether he would return for the race.
?Why should there be even one iota of doubt that I wouldn?t be here? I just don?t understand it,? he said. ?Kingfisher Airlines is a Plc. They (the local media) don?t understand the concept of a Plc. In a Plc where is one man, who might be the chairman, responsible for the finances of the entire Plc? And what has it got to do with all my other businesses? I have built up and run the largest spirits company in the world in this country,? he said.
Asked whether he had flown to India on his plane, Mallya vented more frustration.
?You are probably referring to my plane being seized? Wonderful. I don?t owe anybody money,? he said.
