Retail investors slam Vi over user wipeout, stock crash

Vodafone Idea's shareholders flag losses, demand clarity on future as telco seeks ₹20,000 crore

- Jatin Grover

Retail shareholders of Vodafone Idea Ltd (Vi) raised concerns on Friday over the company's continued loss of subscribers and its fragile financial health. During the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) convened to approve the ₹20,000 crore fundraise, shareholders questioned the management about the lack of upside in the share price and a significant fall, particularly in the aftermath of the follow-on public offer (FPO) last year.

The absence of Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla from the meeting also drew concern, with a few shareholders expressing disappointment over his non-attendance. The government is the largest shareholder in Vodafone Idea with a 49% stake, followed by promoters—Vodafone Group at 16.07% and Aditya Birla Group at 9.5%. Retail investors own 14.96% of the company.

“Despite the previous fundraises, including the government conversion, there is no upside in the share price. In fact, the government's equity investment (via dues conversion) in the company has also gone into losses (at the current share price). If the management cannot handle the company, it should consider selling or surrendering it to the government,” Santosh Kumar Saraf, a retail shareholder, said during the meeting.