While in government, former disinvestment minister Arun Shourie championed the disinvestment of PSUs with missionary zeal. Now, with the CAG severely critical of the Juhu Centaur disinvestment, Shourie admits to Outlook that Ajit Kerkar of Tulip Hospitality, the company which bought over Juhu Centaur, had indulged in an improper practice since he was also on the subcommittee that recommended the disinvestment. Excerpts from an interview:
Wasn't it unethical that Ajit Kerkar was both the seller and buyer of Juhu Centaur?
Don't you think this is akin to insider trading?
Kerkar is reported to be selling the Juhu Centaur to a consortium of builders.
How many times have you met Kerkar?
Questions have been raised about a meeting you had with the public sector banks who then agreed to finance the deal.
But wasn't that an instance of the government putting pressure on banks?
Did you get a note from Kerkar thanking you?
Do you think Chidambaram is targeting you?
But the FM has implied that you took a great interest in selling the hotel.
