Tax expert and the first representative from the services sector, Rajendra S Lodha of Lodha & Co, took over the reins of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) at its 74th annual meeting on December 6 in controversial circumstances over his appointment. In an interview to Surajeet Das Gupta and Sandip Das, Lodha talked about his plans, how he intended to reduce tensions with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the controversies surrounding Ficci. Excerpts.
Q: You have taken over at a time when Ficci is embroiled in numerous controversies. R V Kanoria resigned as vice president after A C Muthiah was re-inducted over him. There are allegations that you have superseded Kanoria and, therefore, the recommendations of the elders committee laid down in 1996 were not respected. Any comments?
Ficci as an institution will move from strength to strength and we hope to get the cooperation of all our members. This is an important phase of Ficci