In a vehement critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, asserted on Thursday that Modi is complicit with Gautam Adani in corrupt activities. Gandhi demanded the immediate arrest of Adani following his indictment in a U.S. bribery case. During a press conference, Gandhi highlighted that despite Adani’s alleged involvement in a ₹2,000 crore scam and several other offenses, he remains unpunished due to Modi’s protection.
Allegations Against Gautam Adani
“It is now pretty clear and established that Adani has broken both Indian law and American law. I am wondering why Adani is running around as a free man in this country. It is a vindication of what we have been saying. The PM is protecting Adani and the PM is involved in corruption with Adani,” stated the Congress MP.
These strong accusations come in the wake of U.S. prosecutors indicting Adani and his nephew for allegedly paying ₹2,029 crore ($265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials. The bribes were purportedly intended to secure solar power contracts with state electricity distribution companies, with the payments allegedly made between 2020 and 2024.
Congress’s Ongoing Allegations
The Congress party, led by Gandhi, has long alleged a close nexus between Prime Minister Modi and Gautam Adani. These claims are frequently used to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during election rallies, suggesting undue favoritism and corruption.
Demand for Parliamentary Investigation
Rahul Gandhi, representing Raebareli, emphasized his intention to bring this issue to the forefront during the upcoming Winter session of Parliament. He reiterated his call for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the transactions and dealings of the Adani Group comprehensively.
Context of the Accusations
The indictment by U.S. authorities marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges faced by the Adani Group. The allegations suggest a sophisticated bribery scheme aimed at manipulating government contracts to benefit Adani’s energy ventures. Gandhi’s remarks aim to highlight perceived systemic corruption and seek accountability at the highest levels of government.
Political Implications
Gandhi’s accusations are part of the broader political strategy of the Congress party to challenge the BJP’s governance and its relationships with major industrialists like Adani. By linking Modi directly with Adani’s alleged corrupt practices, Gandhi seeks to undermine the Prime Minister’s credibility and leadership.
Next Steps
As the legal proceedings unfold, the demand for a JPC investigation remains a focal point for the opposition. Gandhi’s push for parliamentary scrutiny underscores the ongoing tensions between the Congress and BJP, with significant implications for India’s political landscape.
