Mother dragged into war of words

The war of words between the two Ambani camps intensified with Anil Ambani's supporters claiming that Mukesh Ambani had rejected mediatory moves by his mother Kokilaben and sisters Dipti and Neena, a charge that was denied by Reliance Industries.

Sources close to Anil Ambani said after his nine protest e-mails and discussions with six independent Reliance directors failed to have any effect, "Anil spoke to his mother several times, who in turn spoke to Mukesh. But Mukesh told his mother to stay out of it, saying it did not concern her".

Reliance sources, however, trashed the allegation, saying it was "baseless". "There is no truth in it," said a company source. Referring to the letter that Anil Ambani had written to Mukesh on October 25, sources close to Anil said

Mukesh's attitude was that he never discussed matters and presented others with a fait accompli.

While no contact could be established with the brothers or Kokilaben, Anil's supporters claimed Mukesh did not allow any discussion on Anil's views by some of the directors at the July 27 board meeting, which gave additional powers to Mukesh.