Indian PM Modi Steals Limelight at Lavish Ambani Wedding Amid Poster-Decorated Route

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seemingly diverted some attention from the lavish Ambani wedding taking place in Mumbai this weekend.

As guests from the star-studded invitation list, including names such as Kim Kardashian, Mike Tyson, and John Cena, make their way to the wedding ceremony, they will encounter posters bearing the prime minister’s face. These posters, which line the route to the event, welcome Modi, who is in the area to kick off a new project.

“Heartfelt welcome to India’s beloved and respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai,” read the posters, according to Reuters. Keshav Upadhye, the chief spokesperson for Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state of Maharashtra, explained that these posters were put up by some “excited party workers,” rather than the party itself.

Anant Ambani, the son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant were married early Saturday at the Jio World Convention Centre, after months of headline-making pre-wedding celebrations. While it’s uncertain whether Modi will attend the wedding celebrations, it is thought he may make a brief appearance.

The planned activities are set for July 13, with the wedding reception scheduled for July 14. Modi’s potential presence at the event has already sparked criticism from locals and could lead to backlash from both the opposition and the public. The 73-year-old leader has previously faced accusations of being too close to business tycoons like the Ambanis, though he has denied such allegations.

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, is the 11th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $121 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Reliance Industries is a conglomerate encompassing various sectors, including petrochemicals, telecom, and energy.

The Ambanis have a history of extravagant celebrations. In 2018, they made headlines for hosting a mega-celebration for the wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal, which featured a private Beyoncé concert and high-profile attendees like Nick Jonas and Hillary Clinton. Earlier this year, the family also held a grand three-day pre-wedding celebration for Anant Ambani. The guest list for that event included tech heavyweights such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, among the 1,200 attendees.

Modi, who was recently re-elected for a third term in office, continues to be a polarizing figure. His proximity to influential business magnates like the Ambanis remains a contentious topic in India, often stirring public debate and opposition.

Source: Business Insider, Reuters