Social media users have reacted strongly to Elon Musk’s criticism of Mukesh Ambani after he shared reports of Reliance-backed firms funding the BJP.
The post is the latest in a series of Musk’s allegations against the Indian government’s discriminatory practices to protect "oligarchs” in the Indian telecom industry. He claimed his satellite communications company, Starlink, is facing delays in operating in the country because of regulatory hurdles.
Musk criticised multi-billionaire Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani, the managing director of India’s largest public company, Reliance Industries, sarcastically referring to him as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of protecting a monopoly.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi supported Musk’s comments about Ambani being the “real boss of India.” Gandhi replied with “Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy.”
Musk further fuelled the feud on Saturday by posting screenshots of media reports that Reliance indirectly funds the BJP’s political campaigns. However, the post appears to be backfiring, as social media called out the Musk’s hypocrisy in sharing the post.
A user on X shared media reports that Elon Musk donated $288 million in the US 2024 election, saying, “This is coming from someone who personally donated billions to help Trump win the election.”
Other users accused Musk of keeping chinese automobile company BYD out of the US market to reduce competition for Musk’s Tesla.
Actor Kamal Haasan also responded to Musk, agreeing that “no billionaire should dictate a nation’s policy” while saying that India will retain control over its policy decisions.
Hassan said, “India is a democracy, not a colony. We welcome the world, but we, the Indian people, will decide our own future - not Western vested interests, their double standards or any billionaire - Indian or American.”
The Indian telecom terrestrial services are currently dominated by Reliance-owned Jio, which disrupted the entire market after its entry in 2016. The Reliance Jio Satcom is also set to enter the satellite communication market, along with Musk’s Starlink, once security assessments are completed.
