MUMBAI: The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated debates on Monday as opposition parties, led by the Congress, raised serious allegations against the Adani Group. The issue stems from a U.S. court indictment alleging that the group paid $265 million in bribes to secure solar energy contracts across four Indian states—Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected 13 notices under Rule 267, including seven specifically seeking discussion on the bribery allegations. This dismissal provoked strong reactions from opposition members, forcing a 15-minute adjournment. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been vocal, asserting that the charges highlight a nexus between industrialist Gautam Adani and the ruling BJP, a claim the government categorically denies.
BJP’s Strategic Response
In response, the BJP has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, emphasizing that the accusations remain unproven. The ruling party has shifted focus to state-level governance during the period of alleged bribery, pointing fingers at opposition-controlled states. It also raised concerns about reliance on a foreign indictment to target an Indian company, arguing for domestic legal mechanisms to address such matters.
Adani Group Denial
The Adani Group has labeled the allegations as baseless, maintaining that its business operations comply with legal and ethical standards. The controversy is expected to dominate the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, beginning November 25, further intensifying the political discourse.
The debate underscores the growing complexity of corporate accountability intertwined with political narratives, making this a pivotal issue in Indian governance.
Web Team, C6N
