Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy has asked the Election Commission to immediately stop the process of airport privatization as the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections was in force. It may be recalled here that after several postponements, Airport Authority of India had decided to shortlist the Requests for Qualification (RFQ) applicants on March 17.
AAI had invited RFQ from interested parties for operation, maintenance and transfer of six airports at Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Guwahati, Jaipur and Ahmedabad in September last year. The move had attracted criticism from a section of MPs as the government had just completed major capital expenditure programme in these airports involving an outlay of Rs. 5,800crore. As per the original schedule, AAI wanted to sign Concession Agreement with the successful bidder by February. However, if the Election Commission takes cognizance of Roy’s objections, the entire process may be delayed further.
