Starlink row: Musk shares reports on Reliance-linked firm's BJP campaign role, political donations
Elon Musk has publicly criticized Mukesh Ambani, alleging that Reliance-linked firms used political donations and social media campaigns to influence the BJP. This escalation follows disputes over the delayed launch of Starlink satellite services in India.
Why it matters
The conflict between two of the world's wealthiest individuals highlights the intersection of corporate competition, political influence, and telecommunications regulation in India.
Elon Musk on Saturday (October 10, 2026) stepped up his attack against industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing screenshots of media reports alleging that a Reliance-funded firm helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and that a Reliance-linked company made large political donations to the ruling party.
The latest post by Mr. Musk on X featured an Al Jazeera report from 2022 headlined "How a Reliance-funded firm boosts BJP's campaigns on Facebook" and an archived Indian Express report from 2024 on Qwik Supply, which reported that the Reliance-linked firm donated ₹385 crore to the BJP and ₹25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.
The latest post comes amid Mr. Musk's scathing criticism of Mukesh Ambani over a persistent delay in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India.
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