The Hindu : National : We had spoken to Left and they were convinced: Chidambaram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 04, 2006

National

National

We had spoken to Left and they were convinced: Chidambaram

C. Jaishankar

Urges agitating airport employees to return to work

P. Chidambaram

KARAIKUDI: The decision to modernise the Mumbai and Delhi airports is final and there is no question of reconsidering it, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said here on Friday.

Mr. Chidambaram said the Government had spoken to the Left parties on the issue and they were convinced of the need to go in for modernisation of these airports in the backdrop of heavy traffic and lack of space for expanding flight operations and related services.

The Minister was talking to reporters after inaugurating an "Info Expo", an exhibition to highlight the achievements of the United Progressive Alliance Government.

It was only a licence given to private parties to modernise and operate the airports for 30 years. The Airports Authority of India would have a 26 per cent share and its directors would have a role in the functioning of the airports. Hence the striking AAI employees should return to work and their interests would be protected.

"All must cooperate"

On the Reliance decision to go to court against the tender process, the Minister said he could not comment on it. However, those who lost the bid now would get chances in the future. All stakeholders, including the companies and unions, should gracefully accept the decision and allow the Government to move forward.

Asked about the outcome of the recent Davos conference, Mr. Chidambaram said that world leaders and experts who attended it accepted that India was marching very close to China in economic development. "Foreign direct investment will increase dramatically in the coming years". The UPA would remain intact in Tamil Nadu and face the coming Assembly elections with a new vigour. It would win the elections, as the people of Tamil Nadu wanted a change of Government once in five years, he said, adding he was hurt by the recent activities of the former TNCC president, Tindivanam K. Ramamurthy.

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