Sarnaik objects to Musk post, signals review of Tesla road tax exemption in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said clearly that India's self-respect, the dignity of the country's highest leadership and respect for democratic institutions are bigger than any business interest. He made the remarks after a reported social media post on October 9 by Tesla founder Elon Musk.

The alleged post by Musk, made in the context of Starlink, is said to have referred to "Prime Minister Ambani". Sarnaik objected to the reference. He said such a remark is regrettable and damages the dignity of India's democratically elected leadership. The stand also conveyed that Maharashtra will not tolerate public insult to the country's Prime Minister and its highest constitutional institutions.

Sarnaik also presented figures on the Maharashtra market. According to him, 226 Tesla cars were sold in India in 2025, of which 140 were sold in Maharashtra. The state's share in the country's total sales was thus about 62 per cent. In 2026 so far, 859 Tesla cars have been registered in India, of which 282 are in Maharashtra. By this count, the state's share in total registrations is about 33 per cent.

On the basis of these figures, it was said that there are business opportunities for foreign companies in India and Maharashtra, but these must rest on mutual respect, trust and responsibility.

The same message also set out the position on the zero per cent road tax exemption applicable to imported electric vehicles. It said that any review of such an exemption will take into account established policies, legal provisions, the interest of Maharashtra and the wider interest of the country. No immediate cancellation of Tesla's exemption has been announced, but there are indications that policies linked to the state's interest will be reconsidered as per rules. The message is that while granting any company an exemption, the state's economic interest and national dignity must both be balanced.

The government's position was also said to be that the Maharashtra government remains committed to promoting the use of electric vehicles, electrification of public transport and eco-friendly travel. Importance is being given to expanding electric buses, setting up charging facilities and developing green transport infrastructure in the state.

Minister Pratap Sarnaik said promoting eco-friendly technology and safeguarding national self-respect are not contradictory. According to him, it is equally essential for foreign companies doing business in the Indian market to respect the country's leadership and institutions. Sarnaik also said profit and markets matter in business, but without mutual respect and trust, business relationships cannot last long. India is open to global companies, but no business interest can be served by compromising national self-respect, he said.