FM directs veiled criticism at Gowda

Murthy mess will hit image: Chidambaram

FM is unhappy that economic players are being derided and criticised

Daily NEws and Analysis

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that the resignation of Infosys chairman NR Narayana Murthy from the Bangalore International Airport Limited would hurt India’s image.

“I am very concerned when economic activity is disturbed and economic players derided and criticised. Nothing should be done or said which will hurt India’s image,” Chidambaram said at the platinum jubilee celebrations of Vijaya Bank here.

Nothing should be said that could hurt the project or the investment climate in the country, he said, expressing regret over the way Murthy was humiliated. “I am unhappy over the controversy. Efforts are being made to persuade him to take back his resignation,” the finance minister said.
Though he did not name HD Deve Gowda, the remarks were clearly aimed at the JD(S) president, who has attacked Murthy and Infosys in recent days.
He argued that India was now competing with China to attract investment and should deliver on its promise. China was already building a second airport in Beijing to be completed before the Olympics in 2008.

“Bangalore and Hyderabad are cities for greenfield airport projects. We have to show the world that we can build airports within a deadline,” he said.
“The world is now looking up at India, but my regret is we do not realise this potential.”