BJP MP Lekhi expresses concern over Agusta’s ‘media management’

NEW DELHI: BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Thursday expressed concern over reports that AgustaWestland had set aside Rs 50 crore for “media management” as it tried to bag the contract for supply of 12 VVIP helicopters to India.
Referring to reports that middleman Christian Michel was given nearly 6 million euros by the helicopter manufacturer for this task, she said it was unfortunate that the media, which was an organ of healthy democracy, had been misused.
Raising the issue during zero hour in Lok Sabha, Lekhi said, “It amounts to misuse of the freedom of expression. It is irresponsible as media is part of the democratic structure.”
Congress member Mallikarjun Kharge, supported by party colleagues, protested to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan that the AgustaWestland issue could not be raised as he had already given a notice for discussion on it. “I respect you very much. You should not have allowed this. Please don’t do this,” he said. Amid the protests, the Speaker adjourned the House for lunch.
The Milan court of appeals had reportedly held that a large portion of the money paid by AgustaWestland to Michel was “completely disproportionate” to the work he did for the company. Interpol issued a red corner notice against Michel on India’s request in December 2015. The Milan court also said Michel was paid over 44 million euros by the Italian company for various contracts, which included a deal to supply spare parts for Indian naval helicopters and a postcontract service deal for the VVIP chopper contract.
It was reported that the British national was also asked to give feedback on Indian media activity on the deal. Michel’s firm, Global Services FZE, was to “inform the company (Agusta) of any hostile press activity that may impact on the execution of the contract”.