New Delhi, Sep 15 (PTI) With a task force announced to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 in the country, the Congress on Tuesday pointed out that the Buddh International Circuit and other assets had been taken over by the Adani conglomerate just a few months back and said that every day the Modi government “plumbs new depths of cronyism”.
Earlier in the day, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced a Task Force to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 in the country under the chairmanship of Niti Aayog Programme Director and adviser Yugal Kishore Joshi.
The 10-member committee also features joint secretary (sports) Kunal, besides FMSCI (Motorsports Federation of India) President, who is Arindam Ghosh at the moment, with the elections to be held during the AGM later in the month.
Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said it is no surprise that Niti Aayog has just set up a task force to revive the Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida through financial and other incentives.
“After all, the BIC and other assets had been taken over from another private company by the Modani conglomerate just a few months back,” Ramesh said on X.
“Everyday the Modi Govt plumbs new depths of cronyism. More will be revealed very soon,” he said.
The Task Force also has representation from the Department of Tourism and Commerce, among others and will include representatives from the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments.
Interacting with mediapersons here, Mandaviya said, “The Terms of reference of this committee are suggesting comprehensive ways for sustainable growth of motorsports in India, a holistic coordinated roadmap for revival of Formula 1 so that we can host a race in 2028.
“It will also carry out a detailed assessment of challenges that would come in the way of reviving motorsports and identify policy interventions that would be needed for this,” he added.
Barring Joshi and Kunal, no other names were revealed by the minister.
India last hosted a Formula 1 race back in 2013, following which it was dropped due to bureaucratic and taxation issues. It was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The new circuit owners, the Adani group, will have a seat at the table as well.
Mandaviya said the task Force will look into the aspects related to taxation, as it will feature names from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). PTI ASK RHL
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