State govts promise better ‘deal’ to tech billionaire Elon Musk, ask to dive Tesla’s investments in their regions

As the drift between opposition ruled states and the Centre widens with each one trying to pip the other to grab global investments in the technology sector, a new situation of sorts has emerged where various non-BJP state governments are promising better ‘deals' to the US electric car manufacturer, Tesla.

This comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier on Twitter wrote ‘Still working through a lot of challenges with the government.' Musk's comments came after a netizen asked the Tesla chief about his future plans to launch in India.

While the negotiations between Tesla and the Central government are still going on, a Maharashtra minister on Sunday extended the company an invite to start operations in the state and has assured all possible help.

Maharashtra was not alone but non-BJP state governments including Telangana and West Bengal were also quick to express interest in getting the carmaker to invest within their jurisdiction.

The Maharashtra state water resources minister Jayant Patil wrote to Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Twitter, inviting him to establish the company's plant in Maharashtra.

Patil replied to Musk saying, “Maharashtra is one of the most progressive states in India. We will provide you all the necessary help from Maharashtra for you to get established in India. We invite you to establish your manufacturing plant in Maharashtra.”

Telangana was the first to woo Musk. Industry and commerce minister of Telangana KT Rama Rao wrote on Twitter, “Hey Elon, I am the Industry & Commerce Minister of Telangana state in India. Will be happy to partner with Tesla in working through the challenges to set shop in India/Telangana. Our state is a champion in sustainability initiatives & a top-notch business destination in India.”

West Bengal minister Md Ghulam Rabbani tweeted, “Drop here, we in West Bengal have best infra & our leader @MamataOfficial has got the vision. Bengal means Business.”

Also not far behind was controversial Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, from poll-bound state Punjab.  Sidhu invited tech czar Elon Musk to set up shop in Punjab emphasising that under his ‘Punjab model', Ludhiana will become a hub for electric vehicles and the battery industry.

Punjab is set to go to the polls next month and Sidhu and Congress are locked in a fierce five-cornered contest. “I invite @elonmusk, Punjab Model will create Ludhiana as a hub for Electric Vehicles & Battery industry with time bound single-window clearance for investment that brings new technology to Punjab, create green jobs, walking path of environment preservation & sustainable development,” Sidhu said in a tweet.