New Delhi, India

The democracy of Venezuela seems to have fallen in the hands of billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as he took up the challenge to fight against President Nicolas Maduro on national television, on the condition that if he wins, the president will have to step down. 

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Taking to the social network X, its owner Musk responded to the challenge given to him by Maduro. "I accept," he wrote, as the response sparked multiple reactions online.

Here's how the contentious conversation unravelled

Taking to X, President Maduro said, "Social media creates a virtual reality, and who controls the virtual reality? Our new archenemy, the famous Elon Musk. Do you want to fight? Let's do it. Elon Musk, I'm ready. I'm not afraid of you Elon Musk. Let's fight, wherever you want."

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Responding to Maduro's challenge, Musk said, “Maduro is a big guy himself and probably knows how to fight, so this would be a real fight. Zuck is a little fella, so that would be a short fight lol.”

Also Read: Musk’s trans daughter retorts back after he calls her 'dead', says Tesla owner was 'cold, cruel'

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“If I win, he resigns as dictator of Venezuela. If he wins, I give him a free ride to Mars," he said on X.

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Animosity brews between Musk and Maduro

The animosity started brewing between the two prominent figures as political turmoil ensued in Caracas. 

Maduro and Musk have clashed ideologically in the past and the president has accused the SpaceX CEO of orchestrating attacks against Venezuela and also planning the alleged "computer hacking" at the National Electoral Council (CNE). 

After the Venezuelan election results, Musk clearly stated that he disapproved of Maduro's election as the president and called him a "dictator" while saying that the election was a "travesty." 

He even shared the US Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) 2020 announcement in which criminal charges were levied against Maduro for drug trafficking.

Watch: Elon Musk’s Daughter ‘Disowns’ Him After Tech Billionaire Claims His Son 'Died'

Fiercely responding to this, Maduro said, "He wants to come here with his guns and an army to invade Venezuela. Elon Musk, good thing you showed your face because we knew you were behind it all! With your money and your satellites."

Musk sharply retorted to this and said, "An ass knows more than Maduro."  Later sarcastically apologising, he said, "Sorry to have compared the poor ass to Maduro. That was an insult to the animal kingdom."

(With inputs from agencies)