The billionaires who want to fly Jet Airways are also the world's largest bus manufacturers

Jet may not be the biggest bet the Hindujas ever made.

Hindujas went on an acquisition spree in the late eighties. They purchased 39% stake in Ashok Leyland, which had a market value of ₹400 crore, in 1987. It marked Hindujas’ entry into Indian listed business. The automaker went to become a $2.5 billion company and remains one of its major revenue generators. In the same year, it also bought 59% shares in Ennore Foundries.

A part of Hindujas success can be credited to their strong political connections — both in the UK and India. They weren’t a household name like the Tatas, Ambanis or Birlas but have happened to win deals in mysterious manner.

They were one of the accused in Bofors defence scandal that had rocked the nation for decades. They were accused of acting as a middle man to carry out the scandal of

bribing top politicians and defence members for the sale of 400 howitzers worth $1.3 billion.

The family which is accused of gains from politics also had an unexpected surprise as Boris Johnson’s victory in the UK's general election in 2019.

Their wealth increased by $116 million since then, mainly because Johnson’s opponent Jeremy Corbyn lost. Corbyn had vowed to bring new taxes to target wealthy people.