- Telangana CM alleges BJP is coercing Tesla and Foxconn to relocate to Gujarat, accusing the central government of neglecting Telangana.
- Elon Musk postpones India visit, delaying plans to meet PM Modi and announce investments, including Starlink launch and Tesla’s Indian expansion.
- Musk advocates for reduced import duties on EVs, prompting India to introduce new policies; Tamil Nadu eyed as potential Tesla factory site.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has stirred controversy by alleging that the BJP-led central government is pressuring Elon Musk’s Tesla and Foxconn to relocate their operations to Gujarat. Reddy’s claims come amidst tensions between regional leaders and the central government, with accusations of neglecting southern states like Telangana in favor of those in the north.
Elon Musk, scheduled to visit India in April 2024, postponed his trip, citing Tesla-related work. His visit was anticipated to include meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top officials to discuss investments, including the launch of Starlink services and potential Tesla manufacturing plants in India. However, the delay has left plans on hold, with Musk aiming to reschedule his visit later in the year.
Musk has been advocating for reduced import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) to facilitate Tesla’s entry into the Indian market. In response, India introduced a new EV policy, slashing import taxes on certain models. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a potential site for a Tesla factory, although a final decision is pending. Meanwhile, regulatory approvals for Starlink in India are nearing completion, paving the way for the satellite-based broadband service’s launch.
“Tesla wanted to come to Telangana but BJP forcibly took it to Gujarat”: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) pic.twitter.com/cjgKW2zR6w
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) May 8, 2024
