SJM opposes Air India’s appointment of a Turkish CEO

Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member, has expressed reservations and asked Tata Sons to reconsider the selection of Turkish citizen Ilker Ayci as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air India. SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan told The Hindu that his organization was opposed to the government clearing the appointment, citing “national security” concerns.

“I believe the administration is already aware of the problem and has treated it very seriously.” “I don’t believe the government’s approval will come,” he remarked.

SJM is opposing him because of his close ties with Turkish President

The SJM has misgivings about Mr. Ayci’s appointment because of his close ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he served as an adviser as mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. The fact that Mr. Ayci was partially responsible for bringing Turkish Airlines around between 2015 and 2022 speaks in his favor. Air India, India’s flag carrier, was recently purchased by Tata Sons.

Mr. Ayci is expected to start on April 1st, subject to a comprehensive background investigation by the Ministry of Home Affairs, as is customary when a foreign national is assigned to a senior position in a domestic corporation, according to Ministry sources.

“We hope that both Tata Sons and the Union government recognize our concerns on this matter.” Mr. Mahajan explained that “relationships have an impact on decisions.” 

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