Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc staged protests in Parliament on Wednesday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani following charges by US prosecutors. The bloc alleged that a thorough probe is necessary due to multiple accusations of irregularities involving Adani's conglomerate.
The protests erupted after US authorities accused Adani’s group of bribing Indian officials to secure favorable terms for solar power projects. Prosecutors highlighted a ₹2,200 crore bribery scheme involving sale deeds signed with states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu and Kashmir between July 2021 and February 2022.
Although Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, did not participate in the demonstrations, several MPs from Congress, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK, and Left parties took part, chanting slogans and holding banners that read “Modi-Adani are one.” The TMC, however, abstained from the protests. Besides seeking a JPC, Gandhi had previously called for the immediate arrest of Gautam Adani.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat had issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging MPs to refrain from staging protests near Parliament gates, citing concerns over safety and security.
Adani’s Response to Allegations
Speaking at the 51st Gem & Jewellery Awards on November 30, Gautam Adani addressed the accusations, stating, “This is not the first time we faced such challenges. Despite vested reporting, no one from the Adani side has been charged with any violation of the FCPA or conspiracy to obstruct justice. Negativity spreads faster than facts, but we remain committed to world-class regulatory compliance.”
The Adani Group labeled the allegations as “baseless,” emphasizing the presumption of innocence. The conglomerate assured that it would pursue all legal avenues to address the charges.
Adani CFO Jugeshinder Robbie Singh clarified that the allegations pertain to a single contract within Adani Green, representing just 10% of the company's business. He added that none of the Adani Group’s 11 public companies are implicated in the charges.
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