“Doesn’t know whether going left or right”: Jyotiraditya Scindia hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Starlink stand
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia criticizes Congress for its inconsistent stance on Starlink's entry into the Indian market.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of political confusion regarding the licensing of Starlink in India. Speaking at the 10th Edition of the India Mobile Congress 2026 in the national capital, Scindia suggested that the opposition lacks a clear direction, stating they do not know whether they are "going left or right."
The Starlink Controversy Explained
The political friction follows a social media exchange involving SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Musk had previously described the regulatory hurdles facing Starlink's entry into India as "troubling," claiming the company has struggled to secure a license despite complying with local requirements for five years.
Rahul Gandhi responded to Musk on X (formerly Twitter) with a cryptic message: "Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy." This prompted Musk to reply, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling."
Scindia Defends Government Policy
Addressing these developments, Scindia clarified that the government's position on satellite internet is well-defined and transparent. He emphasized that the licensing process is not being stalled for a single entity, but is subject to specific regulatory frameworks.
- Multiple Licenses: Scindia noted that three different companies have already been granted licenses, contradicting claims of exclusivity.
- Revenue-Sharing Model: The government intends to assign spectrum to these companies on a revenue-sharing basis once the final framework is established.
- Security Compliance: Companies can commence operations as soon as they individually fulfill all necessary security conditions.
"As far as the Congress party is concerned, I don't understand. I don't think they themselves know whether they are going left or right," Scindia remarked, pointing out that the opposition's stance seems to shift depending on the individuals involved.
Congress Defends Sarcasm as Critique of Monopolies
While Scindia attacked the opposition for inconsistency, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram defended Rahul Gandhi's social media interaction. Chidambaram argued that Gandhi's comments were not mere banter but were "laced with great sarcasm" intended to highlight how the central government allegedly fosters monopolies and oligarchy.
Chidambaram suggested that the underlying message—that certain corporate entities hold disproportionate influence over government policy—was being missed by the general public. He maintained that the exchange was a subtle critique of how regulatory processes might favor established players over new entrants like Starlink.