MUMBAI: When the incoming president of the US invites you, you definitely have to go. The pre-swearing in inaugural festivities thrown by the to-be -President Trump at an intimate gathering of friends and family at Trump National Sterling in Virginia saw a handful of Indians mark their presence. But those who really want to make a splash of it are two Indian real estate developers who are the Republican leader’s Indian partners in Trump Towers.
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We are referring to Tribeca Developers founder Kalpesh Mehta and M3M Developers managing director Pankaj Bansal who were seen hobnobbing with Trump and sharing a glass of bubbly with him. Both Mehta and Bansal are key partners in the development of Trump Towers in India, reflecting the strong ties between Indian business leaders and the Trump Organisation. Kalpesh Mehta, the licensed Indian partner for Trump Towers, has been instrumental in bringing the Trump brand to India. They were also seen cracking a few jokes with India’s richest couple – Mukesh and Nita Ambani. Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabi, apparently, took an overnighter on their private jet for a spin to Washington DC.
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Global leaders, including Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and other prominent business figures, were also in attendance.
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A nearly 20 minute firework display was watched by Trump and his wife Melania and his extended family from the balcony of his club.
Trump’s alleged excesses have already got critics carping about his proximity to several American billionaire friends of his who are getting crucial posts and others (one of them read crypto currency industry) who are handing out $250 million to the inauguration committee for spending on what is being called the most expensive inauguration (read party) of a president in history. Other presidents have reportedly spent less than $50 million (Obama) on their inauguration spending prior to Trump who spent a massive $107 million following his 2017 election victory.
With the Trump-baiters getting their knives out even before he has got into the White House, we wonder what they will come up with after he does. We can only wait and watch.
