Around 19 industrialists are expected the attend the inauguration of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, on January 18. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, are among the invitees. The list, released by the state government however, has left behind Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) Chairman Anil Ambani, who is currently at the centre of the Rafale spat between the Congress and Modi government.
One of the most enthusiastic cheerleaders of Vibrant Gujarat, Anil's absence was also noticed when Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani recently met business leaders in Mumbai to promote the January 18-20 show. Principal Secretary to Rupani, Manoj Das said, “Vibrant Summit is the most prestigious state government event, so we have taken the utmost care in inviting industry leaders. We have avoided all business leaders whose names could draw even the slightest negative perception. The government's effort is to create a positive business environment in the state.”
Anil's absence is significant as he has been on the dais for the valedictory function of almost every summit. In 2009, he was among the first businessmen to hail Narendra Modi, who was CM at the time, as the future Prime Minister.
According to the state government, among those expected to attend the summit are Mukesh Ambani, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, and Adi Godrej.
