CM Ibrahim
Encyclopedia
Chand Mahal Ibrahim (better known as CM Ibrahim) is a prominent Muslim politician in India and has served as the country's Civil Aviation Minister and Information & Broadcasting Minister during the 1990s. He has been embroiled in a number of controversies and scandals. Ibrahim belongs to the state of Karnataka
and is a member of the Indian National Congress
party.
and Singapore Airlines
to operate a domestic airline in India. Ibrahim claimed that his reasons were ideological, as he was opposed to foreign investment in the Indian aviation sector. However, at the time, a senior bureaucrat accused the Aviation ministry of being a "a "malign influence", and there were allegations that Ibrahim was protecting the private carrier Jet Airways
On 15 November 15, 2010, Ratan Tata
, the head of the Tata group alleged that, during the 1990s, a minister had asked for a bribe of INR 15 crore (USD 3.3 million approx) to clear a proposed venture with Singapore Airlines, but he had refused to pay the bribe. Although Tata did not name Ibrahim as the offending minister, sections of the media speculated that the minister Tata was referring to may have been Ibrahim. Ibrahim denied the allegation.
was bribing voters. However, Ibrahim reportedly told voters: "Take the stack of currency given by Katta Subramanya Naidu without any second thought but do not fail to cast vote for Congress.". The Deccan Herald
accused Ibrahim of making a "mockery out of democracy."
against Ibrahim. According to Mehta, Ibrahim had refused to touch the baby, saying it had "Hindu blood", and had forced Faiz to remarry a woman in the Middle East. Ibrahim denied that Faiz had ever married.
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
and is a member of the Indian National Congress
Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
party.
TATA-Singapore Airlines Controversy
In 1997, Ibrahim denied permission to a joint venture between the Tata GroupTata Group
Tata Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Tata Group is one of the largest companies in India by market capitalization and revenue. It has interests in communications and information technology, engineering, materials, services, energy,...
and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
to operate a domestic airline in India. Ibrahim claimed that his reasons were ideological, as he was opposed to foreign investment in the Indian aviation sector. However, at the time, a senior bureaucrat accused the Aviation ministry of being a "a "malign influence", and there were allegations that Ibrahim was protecting the private carrier Jet Airways
Jet Airways
Jet Airways is a major Indian airline based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is India's largest airline and the market leader in the domestic sector. It operates over 400 flights daily to 76 destinations worldwide. Its main hub is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, with secondary hubs at Delhi,...
On 15 November 15, 2010, Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata
Ratan Naval Tata is the present chairman of Tata Sons and therefore, Tata Group. Also, he is one among the few in the world...
, the head of the Tata group alleged that, during the 1990s, a minister had asked for a bribe of INR 15 crore (USD 3.3 million approx) to clear a proposed venture with Singapore Airlines, but he had refused to pay the bribe. Although Tata did not name Ibrahim as the offending minister, sections of the media speculated that the minister Tata was referring to may have been Ibrahim. Ibrahim denied the allegation.
Star DTH Controversy
As Information & Broadcasting Minister, Ibrahim denied Star Television permission to operate a Direct to Home (DTH) service in India. It was alleged that Ibrahim had overruled other ministers and was protecting the interests of Star's rival Zee Television, who he granted permission to operate a DTH network.Voting bribery Controversy
On September 1, 2010, while campaigning in his home state, Ibrahim alleged that Katta Subramanya Naidu, a politician from the rival Bharatiya Janata PartyBharatiya Janata Party
The Bharatiya Janata Party ,; translation: Indian People's Party) is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Indian National Congress. Established in 1980, it is India's second largest political party in terms of representation in the parliament...
was bribing voters. However, Ibrahim reportedly told voters: "Take the stack of currency given by Katta Subramanya Naidu without any second thought but do not fail to cast vote for Congress.". The Deccan Herald
Deccan Herald
The Deccan Herald is a leading English-language daily newspaper distributed in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is published by the Printers Private Limited and has a number of editions in Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore, Mangalore and Gulbarga....
accused Ibrahim of making a "mockery out of democracy."
Prerana Mehta Shah Controversy
In 2007, MiD DAY alleged that Ibrahim had forced his son Faiz to break his marriage with his Hindu wife Prerana Shah Mehta, who had recently given birth. Mehta reportedly lodged a complaint with the National Commission for WomenNational Commission for Women
The National Commission for Women is a statutory body for women established in 1992 by Government of India under the provisions of the Indian Constitution, as defined in the 1990 National Commission for Women Act.. The present head of the Commission is Mrs...
against Ibrahim. According to Mehta, Ibrahim had refused to touch the baby, saying it had "Hindu blood", and had forced Faiz to remarry a woman in the Middle East. Ibrahim denied that Faiz had ever married.