EXPLAINER | How Airtel’s equity conversion request opens a Pandora’s box

Days after communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said further dues of Vodafone Idea would not be converted into equity, Bharti Airtel has sought conversion of its dues of around Rs 40,000 crore into equity under the same telecom reforms package. While the government will evaluate the merits of the proposal, it is in no position to outrightly deny the request, explains Banasree Purkayastha