Ilker Ayci, who was offered the CEO’s position at Tata Group’s Air India, has reportedly declined to take up the role. The decision comes days after the news of his appointment faced backlash in India.

Ayci, a Turkish businessperson, was offered the position last month, weeks after Tata Group took control of Air India’s boardroom. However, Ayci’s political ties in Turkey resulted in opposition.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) requested the Indian government to roll back the offer of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India “keeping in view national security”, according to reports from PTI.

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Ayci, who is the ex-boss of Turkish Airlines, had also served as an advisor to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who now serves as Turkey’s President.

Ayci said the media tried to colour his “appointment with undesirable colours” while speaking about declining the offer. He met with N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of the Tata Group.

Ayci said in a statement, “As a business leader who has always prioritised professional credo … I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or an honorable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such narrative”, according to reports from Reuters.

RSS affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch’s co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan had said the government is “already sensitive” to the issue and has taken up the matter “very seriously”.

When asked for the reasons why the SJM is opposed to the newly appointed CEO and MD, Mahajan had reiterated that it’s a matter of national security. “After all, decisions are taken about a person based on his relationships,” he had said, according to reports from PTI.

Reuters reported that before appointing a foreign national as the CEO of an airline in India, government clearance is required.