“Read The Writing On The Wall”: Congress’ Dig At PM Modi Over Elon Musk’s Postponed Visit

Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s general secretary in charge of communications, took a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the postponed India visit of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, suggesting it was prompted by political dynamics. Ramesh made a reference to the anti-incumbency sentiment faced by Prime Minister Modi as the general elections are underway in India.

Ramesh remarked on Twitter, “It was odd that Elon Musk was coming all the way to India to meet an outgoing Prime Minister. He too has now read the writing on the wall and decided to put off his visit.”

He also added that INDIA alliance’s Prime Minister will welcome Musk soon, and “the INDIA Government will promote electric vehicles even more aggressively – I myself am a user of one”.

Congress-led INDIA alliance is engaged in an aggressive campaign against PM Modi-led NDA in the seven-phased elections, of which the first phase was concluded on Friday.

Musk’s visit, originally scheduled for April 21 and 22, was postponed due to “very heavy Tesla obligations,” as stated by Musk himself in response to news released on CNBC-TV18. He expressed enthusiasm about visiting later in the year. The visit was anticipated to involve discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the announcement of Tesla’s plans to enter the Indian market.

Musk had previously indicated his interest in visiting India following the release of a new electric vehicle manufacturing policy by the Indian government. This policy allows for duty concessions to electric car companies committed to manufacturing in India. Under this scheme, automakers can import up to 8,000 EVs priced at $35,000 or higher annually at a reduced import duty of 15%, provided they invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore and establish production facilities within three years.

Tesla’s potential entry into the Indian market has garnered attention, with reports indicating discussions between Tesla and Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries regarding the establishment of an EV manufacturing facility in India. While talks are in the preliminary stages, Tesla’s management may visit India soon, as reported by Hindu BusinessLine.