BJP slams Ferrari's move to display the Italian Navy flag, while FMSCI is okay with it

Agencies : Thiruvananthapuram, Sat Oct 27 2012, 21:52 hrs

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The BJP in Kerala has slammed Ferrari's move to display the Italian Navy flag on its racing cars during the Indian Grand Prix to express solidarity with two Italian marines facing trial in Kerala for gunning down two Indian fishermen.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, BJP state president V Muraleedharan said there "has been a brazen attempt by the Italian government to interfere in the internal affairs of India, especially the judiciary."

The BJP leader alleged that shortly after Ferrari announced its decision, an Italian minister had gone on Twitter to congratulate the company.

He wanted the Government of India to stop Ferrari from making an "affront on the nation's sovereignty by banning Ferrari from participating if they do not withdraw from the controversial step."

The marines of the ship 'Enrica Lexie', Latorre Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone are facing trial for gunning down the fishermen off Kerala coast in February last.

According to reports, Formula 1 racing division of Italian auto major Ferrari would be fixing the flag on its cars during the Grand Prix this weekend to express solidarity

with the two marines.

The National Fishworkers Forum has also taken objection to Ferrai's decision, holding it amounted to challenging the fishermen community of the country and also a shame on the nation.

Ferrari to race with flag on car, FMSCI is okay with it

Unfazed by the controversy, F1 team Ferrari will race at tomorrow¿s Indian Grand Prix with the Italian Navy flag on its car as India's motor sports body is convinced that it was not a political move.

Vicky Chandhok, the President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), was asked by the Sports Ministry this morning to verify if Ferrari¿s motive was political.

"I was asked to see if the flag is painted in military colour. I verified it, it wasn¿t and replied to the Ministry. It's just a sticker. When we are convinced that it's not a political move why should I ask them to remove it (flag) from there," Chandhok said.

... contd.

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