New Delhi: Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has reignited political controversy with a sensational claim that he exited India in 2016 with the knowledge of then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. In a recent video interview shared on social media, Mallya stated that he personally informed Jaitley before boarding his flight to London.

According to Mallya, he had a brief conversation with Jaitley in Delhi, shortly before departing the country amidst mounting pressure over unpaid loans. He alleged that this exchange occurred openly and was not a secretive departure as often portrayed.

The statement has triggered a strong political backlash, especially from the Congress party. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera ridiculed the revelation, suggesting it further confirms the government's complicity in allowing high-profile defaulters to flee. Echoing Rahul Gandhi’s long-standing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khera remarked that the country is run by “Narendra, not Surrender Modi,” implying that the government has repeatedly shown leniency towards influential financial offenders.

The Congress quickly circulated the video on its official platforms, claiming it as fresh evidence of the BJP government’s alleged role in facilitating Mallya’s escape. The party argues that such admissions expose systemic failure and political protection extended to economic offenders.

Mallya, the former head of Kingfisher Airlines, is facing multiple legal proceedings in India over his failure to repay loans worth approximately ₹9,000 crore borrowed from Indian banks. Despite repeated efforts by Indian authorities to extradite him, Mallya continues to reside in the United Kingdom, where his legal battles are still ongoing.

The latest revelation has reignited debate over the government's accountability in high-profile financial scandals, and the opposition is expected to keep the pressure high in the lead-up to upcoming political sessions and elections.