In a letter to the PM, Karnik, who was a member of the Devas board when the controversy over the allocation of S-band transponders in two future satellites broke out, also blamed Isro chairman K Radhakrishnan for precipitating the crisis by his “inept” media handling at a press interaction here, a day after the controversy hit the headlines.
“The situation called for an unambiguous statement, based on facts, which could have been verified in quick time. Instead, we had a long delay in responding to media allegations, ambiguous statements at a press conference by Isro chief, and then the knee-jerk reaction of immediate announcement of cancellation which – to most people– was tantamount to an implicit admission of corruption,” he said in his letter, dated February 23, 2011. He joined the Isro in early 1970s and worked for 20 years. He was an independent member of Devas board for two years. He resigned on February 9, 2011, two days after the controversy broke. Karnik said he was writing to the PM not in his individual capacity as a former Isro official and Devas board member, but reflecting the collective angst of many present and former officials who entrusted with the job of a “messenger.”
“The deal itself is completely defensible, as is its monetary value. The whole concept of a public-private partnership will take a beating,” he said. The annulment sent out a negative message to investors.
Karnik told Deccan Herald that he did not want to add anything beyond what was written in the letter.