Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s anticipated visit to India has been deferred, raising eyebrows and prompting political commentary. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his views on the postponement, suggesting that Musk’s decision to defer his visit was because of the imminent change in government following the upcoming elections. Ramesh noted on social media that Musk’s visit was initially seen as significant, as Tesla could have announced plans to enter the Indian market. He went on to suggest that the INDIA alliance’s Prime Minister would welcome Musk and promote electric vehicles even more aggressively. “He too has now read the writing on the wall and decided to put off his visit. INDIA’s PM will welcome him soon, and the INDIA Government will promote electric vehicles even more aggressively,” Ramesh stated, adding that he himself owns an electric vehicle.
Musk, however, cited obligations at Tesla as the reason for his deferment, indicating he would visit India later this year. The tech magnate’s visit was highly anticipated, given Tesla’s potential plans to expand into the Indian market.
In another development, Hyderabad sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi stirred controversy during his campaign when he was seen greeting a butcher at a beef shop in Hyderabad’s Old City. The incident, captured on video, showed Owaisi shaking hands with the butcher and saying, “Kaat te raho (keep slaughtering).” The BJP found the video offensive, and Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, when asked to comment on the incident, said she wasn’t surprised because Owaisi’s political statements have historically been extreme and indecent. She added that Owaisi’s brother, MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, shares similar tendencies.
Owaisi’s remarks prompted criticism from BJP leaders, with some calling his comments inflammatory and disrespectful. The controversy over the video has added to the heated political climate as the country gears up for the upcoming elections.
