Vijay Mallya Says He’s Now A ‘Political Football’ Between Parties

Vijay Mallya has time and again featured in political speeches during election campaigns.

Vijay Mallya says he has become a ‘political football’ between the two major Indian parties. (Photo: PTI)

Businessman Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India for Rs 9,000 crore loan default, was seen at an event in the UK on Wednesday, promoting a new Formula One car launched by his team Sahara Force India. At the event, Mallya strongly reacted to his name being used by political parties in India during their election campaigns.

I have become a political football between the two major Indian parties. It is evident by the rhetoric in the election speeches.

Vijay Mallya

Let them come with whatever evidence they have but I doubt if they have any evidence – and then let law take its own course.

Vijay Mallya

A relaxed Mallya was seen with his two drivers, Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. The new car of his F1 team was launched today at Silverstone.

I am safe under UK law, until proven otherwise. I would rather be safe than sorry as I don’t want to be at the mercy of some maverick in the Indian government.

Vijay Mallya

Mallya has been on the Indian agencies’ radar for a long time now and the government has been in talks with the UK government over his extradition on charges of multi-crore loan default by a consortium of Indian banks.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)