Cyrus draws ire: Arun Nanda warns Mistry against selective leaks

NEW DELHI: Arun Nanda, chairman and managing director of Rediffusion Y&R, entered the ongoing battle between the Tata group and Cyrus Mistry, telling the latter that he shouldn’t seek to selectively leak information to the media. This was in response to Mistry’s office detailing a public relations contract signed with Nanda’s firm, which replaced Niira Radia’s Vaishnavi Corporate Communications in 2011.

“Please do not place selective facts about us to suit your narrative before the media and public,” Nanda said in an open letter to Mistry that was published as a newspaper advertisement.

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“Our reputation has been built over 43 years and I will not allow it to be tarnished in any manner whatsoever.”

Rediffusion tied up with Edelman to service the mandate that covered 33 companies of the Tata group, including Tata Sons, Nanda said.

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The press release issued by Mistry’s office on Tuesday had said Tata Sons paid for PR work done for Tata Trusts. Nanda said this was in accordance with Mistry’s “specific” instructions. Nanda also asked why Mistry had agreed to extend the contract between Tata Sons and Rediffusion beyond its five-year term, rather than terminating it when there was an option to do so after three years. Mistry's office couldn't immediately be reached for comment.