Nira Radia shuts PR firms
Nira Radia, controversial corporate lobbyist and owner of PR firm Vaishnavi Group, on Sunday announced her exit from the business of communication consultancy.
Radia was at the centre of a controversy over certain taped conversations in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation. She cited “personal priorities” of family and health behind her “painful” decision to close down her companies.
Some of the top companies, including Tata Group and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), were clients of Vaishnavi Group.
Radia had been embroiled in the 2G controversy after some tapes were leaked in which she was found lobbying for Raja. Her close camaraderie with some important personalities in journalism, business and the government came out in the open.
Although there was no charge against her relating to the 2G scam, she was named a witness by the CBI. “To give precedence to my personal priorities of family and health, I have decided against renewing any client mandates and to exit the business of communications consultancy,” the high profile lobbyist said in a statement. Her announcement of closing the PR firm came after almost an year after her taped conversation leaked in the media. “It is a painful decision, taken after much consideration and consultations,” her statement added.
In a mail to her employees, she said: “For many years, a few with vested interests have been trying to cause harm to Vaishnavi and me personally. Till the recent past, I would fight back, survive and probably react. However, today, I want to give them their victory and let them savour it. If that makes them better human beings then I am happy to have brought in a positive change in them.”
Around 200 employees are on the staff of Vaishnavi Group. Reacting to Radia’s decision, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata said: “The Tata Group respects the personal wishes of Radia in not renewing any client mandates.”
Reliance Industries spokesman said, “We regret the decision of Radia to discontinue her association with the business of communications consultancy.”
The websites of Vaishnavi and sister company Neucom Consulting were also taken down.
