Indian Billionaire Harsh Goenka Defends Vijay Mallya: ‘Why Is He Still a Political Punching Bag?’

Indian Billionaire Harsh Goenka Defends Vijay Mallya: Industrialist Harsh Goenka has raised eyebrows with a pointed question: if Vijay Mallya’s dues are truly settled, why is he still a political scapegoat? Taking to social media, the RPG Enterprises Chairman said justice must not be selective, urging banks to clarify the current status of Mallya’s debt. His post has reignited debate over one of India’s most high-profile financial scandals.

“Vijay Mallya lived the high life, yes. Defaulted, yes. Unlike most others, his ₹9,000+ crore dues are now reportedly settled,” Harsh Goenka wrote.

He added, “Meanwhile, bigger defaulters walk free with much fatter haircuts from banks. If dues remain, the banks should clearly say so. If not, why is he still a political punching bag? Justice must be fair, not selective.”

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Vijay Mallya responded to Goenka’s remarks, thanking the industrialist and reiterating his long-standing claim that Indian banks had already recovered more than what was owed. “The Union Finance Ministry has confirmed in writing that Banks have recovered Rs 14,100 crores from me against a DRT judgement debt of Rs 6,203 crores. Why the blatant discrimination?” Mallya posted on X.

Goenka’s post on Mallya’s dues received a polarising response, with many disagreeing with his views. “He changed the whole banking system by his connects in finance ministry. It took India lot of time to come out from that loss," a netizen said.

“Vijay Mallya didn’t repay out of goodwill. His assets were seized and auctioned after years of dodging Indian courts and living lavishly in the UK," another user said. Others agreed with Goenka’s statement, saying Mallya had been unfairly targeted.

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According to the Finance Ministry, the Enforcement Directorate has recovered ₹22,280 crore from various banking scams, including the Mallya case.

In February, Mallya told the Karnataka High Court that the ₹6,200 crore debt had been “recovered multiple times over.” He requested a detailed statement of recovered amounts from him, United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL), and other associated debtors.

He also claimed the banks had recovered ₹14,131.8 crore, more than double the judgment debt. “Finally, against a judgment debt of Rs 6,203 crore, admitted recovery of Rs 14,131.8 crore, which will be evidence in my UK bankruptcy annulment application. Wonder what banks will say in an English Court,” he wrote earlier.

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