‘Why Glorify Made In China EV?’ Sena MP Denounces Tesla’s India Ride

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 18:03 IST

Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized Maharashtra CM Fadnavis for attending Tesla's Mumbai showroom launch, questioning the benefit of importing taxed, made-in-China EVs.

Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the presence of Devendra Fadnavis at the Tesla showroom launch. (File)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday criticised the entry of electric vehicle giant Tesla’s entry into Indian market saying that what’s the need of celebrating the entry of a “glorified, highly taxed EV vehicle that is made in China."

She further questioned the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the launch event of Tesla’s first showroom in India.

While taking a jibe at the Maharashtra government over the “great breakthrough" launch, the Rajya Sabha MP said that the presence of Fadnavis at the launch of a glorified, highly taxed EV vehicle that is made in China in India was “cringe".

She further questioned how Tesla’s entry in India would contribute to India’s innovation industry.

“And for Maharashtra CM to inaugurate a car showroom/dealer store makes it more cringe. What are we celebrating? Entry of a glorified, highly taxed EV vehicle that is made in China? How is it contributing to India’s innovation industry? The white man complex is real," Sena MP said in a post on X.

In an earlier post, Chaturvedi said that customers will pay more for a made-in-China car, and the government is claiming it as some “great breakthrough".

“India was aiming to bring the manufacturing of Tesla cars to the country for the domestic market; however, we have been made to believe we should be happy with a first showroom with made-in-China imported cars. Whatever duty is levied, truth is customer pays more for a made in China car and leaders in power make it sound like some great breakthrough," the post read.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray claimed that if the Centre had not debated on customs duties, the Tesla showroom in Mumbai would have opened in 2021.

“It’s a good thing that an electric car showroom is being opened. If the central government had not debated the customs duty, then the showroom would have opened in 2021 only."

He added that it is due to the policy for electric vehicles (EVs) made by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2021 that the EV companies are coming to Maharashtra.

“The EV policy that we made gives EVs major support in Maharashtra, and due to this, many companies are coming here," Thackeray said.

Tesla’s Entry Into Indian Market

Tesla officially entered Indian market on Tuesday with the opening of its first showroom at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

Devendra Fadnavis attended the inauguration ceremony and said that the American company chose the “right city and state".

“This is more than just an inauguration — it’s a statement that Tesla has chosen the right city and state," said the Maharashtra Chief Minister.

“It is a matter of great joy for us that Tesla has launched its first experience in India in Mumbai. Tesla is establishing a logistics and servicing system here. Four big charging stations are also being established by them. I am happy that Tesla chose Maharashtra as the state has become a leader in electric mobility. Tesla is launching its Model Y in India. Maharashtra has the most dynamic electric mobility policy. I believe Maharashtra will be a preferred destination when they decide to do manufacturing in India," he added.

Tesla revealed the prices for its electric vehicles, stating that Model T’s on-road price will be listed at Rs 61 lakh. The rear-wheel drive version will cost Rs 59.89 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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