The Hindustan Times newspaper reported this week that other unpaid
staff intended to confront Mallya at the Buddh International circuit outside
Delhi before the race.
“We have planned to stage a dharna [sit-in protest] when Mr Vijay Mallya comes
at the grand prix,” a Kingfisher engineer said. “A protest at the sporting
event will highlight our plight to the entire world.”
An air hostess added: “What is the option left before us but to protest? All
of us are in deep financial crisis, but [Mallya] is unperturbed. [He is]
mocking at our misery with his lifestyle.”
Mallya, who inherited the United Breweries conglomerate from his father, is
one of India’s most prominent and colourful entrepreneurs and politicians.
In addition to being co-owner of Silverstone-based Force India, he is the
chairman of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and sits
on the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
He claimed yesterday that he was looking forward to the second Indian Grand
Prix. “I remember how proud I felt last year to see our cars racing in India
in the colours of the Indian flag,” Mallya said in a statement which made no
mention of Kingfisher’s ongoing tribulations.
“It was a moment I had dreamed about and a great sporting achievement for our
country. To score points was the icing on the cake.
“This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points –
at the very least – so that we can give our fans something to smile about.
The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It’s a big lead, but not impossible to
catch them before the end of the year.”