In a sharp rebuke to the Modi government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging favoritism toward industrialist Gautam Adani despite his indictment in a U.S. bribery case. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi called for Adani’s immediate arrest, labeling him as the central figure in corruption that undermines India’s democratic principles.
Gandhi stated, “It is evident that Gautam Adani has violated Indian and American laws, yet he roams free because he is protected by the Prime Minister. This is a vindication of what we’ve been asserting about their nexus.” He reiterated demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani Group’s dealings, particularly regarding a reported ₹2,029 crore bribery scandal involving solar power contracts. The alleged payments, spanning from 2020 to 2024, implicate officials across four states and one Union Territory.
Congress has been persistent in linking Adani’s business growth to favorable policies by the BJP-led government. Gandhi remarked, “Adani has amassed wealth by exploiting public resources and providing electoral support to the BJP. This is not just corruption but also a threat to democracy.”
The Congress leader emphasized the party’s responsibility to expose the collusion, vowing to bring the issue to the forefront in Parliament’s upcoming Winter Session. Adding to the criticism, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the BJP’s accountability, highlighting how such incidents damage India’s global image.
The BJP has yet to respond substantively to these allegations, with party representatives dismissing them as politically motivated. However, opposition parties, including the AAP and TMC, have joined Congress in calling for transparency and a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Adani controversy is shaping up to be a focal point in the opposition’s strategy for the upcoming general elections, underscoring its campaign against perceived crony capitalism.
