Amid Starlink row, Owaisi says he opposes Modi, but how can a ‘gora’ question India’s PM?

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has often clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but when Elon Musk questioned India's decision-making authority, Owaisi found himself defending the government against the world's richest man. The controversy erupted after Musk publicly criticized the delay in permitting Starlink, his satellite internet service, to launch commercial operations in India.

The opposition has seized upon the dispute to cast doubt on the BJP's ties to big business, while Owaisi has framed it as a test of the party's nationalist credentials.

Speaking to journalists in Hyderabad on Thursday, after AIMIM filed a petition with the Supreme Court over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Owaisi clarified that his opposition to Modi did not imply support for a foreigner questioning India's political leadership. "We have always been against Narendra Modi and will continue to be so. But how can Elon Musk say such things about our India's Prime Minister?" Owaisi questioned.

Owaisi's comments came amid growing apprehension among the BJP and the Modi government over Musk's remarks. "Whenever you see white skin, the BJP becomes apprehensive," he said, accusing the ruling party of being afraid of individuals with foreign backgrounds. He emphasized that the interests of Indian workers and citizens should take precedence over those of powerful foreign businessmen.

Musk's criticism of India began on October 7, when he accused "certain oligarchs" of obstructing SpaceX's satellite broadband service, Starlink, from securing spectrum access in the country. The Communications Ministry promptly dismissed these allegations as "baseless and misconceived," stating that India's satellite communications framework is fair and non-discriminatory. The ministry also noted that the security assessments of three entities were ongoing and that all were at a similar stage of regulatory review.

In response to Musk's continued criticism, the Communications Ministry intensified its stance, pointing out that Starlink is licensed to operate in over 165 countries and that SpaceX has spent five years complying with Indian regulations. Musk responded by questioning why Starlink was still denied a license, accusing Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, of holding undue influence over the Indian government.

Reliance Industries, in turn, defended the government's process for granting licenses to both Indian and foreign applicants, noting that its satellite services were also awaiting clearances.