Opposition Stages Protest in Parliament with ‘Modi-Adani ek hain’ Jackets Over Bribery Allegations

In a striking demonstration, Congress MPs and other opposition leaders took to Parliament on Thursday, wearing black jackets emblazoned with the slogan “Modi Adani ek hain” (Modi and Adani are one), protesting against the recent bribery and fraud charges faced by billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani. The protest aimed to highlight the ongoing demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into Adani’s alleged financial wrongdoings.

The opposition’s protest centered around allegations that Adani, along with his nephew, had been implicated by US prosecutors in a bribery and fraud case. The Congress party has long called for a comprehensive inquiry into the issue, asserting that a fair investigation could implicate both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adani, given their close relationship.

As part of the protest, leaders like Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi, both Members of Parliament, wore black half-jackets with the slogan boldly displayed on the back. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed the protest, stating, “Modi ji cannot allow an investigation into Adani because it would implicate him as well. Modi and Adani are not two, they are one.”

Earlier in the week, a series of protests by opposition leaders from parties including Congress, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK, and the Left had taken place at Parliament, demanding a probe into the charges against the Adani Group. A banner reading “Modi-Adani are one” was held up during the protest, reinforcing the accusation of a deep nexus between the two.

While the protest drew attention, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) opted not to participate. The call for a JPC inquiry into the matter has become a significant issue for opposition leaders, particularly as allegations against the Adani Group have garnered widespread attention, especially following the US court’s indictment.

Despite these protests, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory earlier in the week urging MPs to refrain from staging demonstrations near Parliament gates, citing security concerns and the potential obstruction of movement. Nonetheless, opposition MPs continued their symbolic stand outside Parliament, echoing their demand for a thorough investigation.

The Congress party has maintained that the charges against Adani, including bribery and fraud, validate their call for a JPC probe into various alleged scams involving the Adani Group. Rahul Gandhi previously called for Adani’s arrest, while the industrialist’s group continues to reject the allegations as baseless.