Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks following allegations by US prosecutors against Gautam Adani and others in a purported bribery scam.
Majumdar claimed that several Congress-ruled states have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Gautam Adani.
“Rahul Gandhi is a brand that is ‘Made in Italy’. So, when something happens abroad, he makes a lot of noise. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Adani in many Congress-ruled states. In Kerala too, the state government has signed an MoU with Adani for the development of ports,” Majumdar told media.
He added, “Because of what happened in America, he [Rahul Gandhi] is creating chaos in the country.”
On Thursday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi demanded Adani’s arrest, asserting that it was “clear” and “established” that the Adani Group Chairman had violated both American and Indian laws.
Earlier, a five-count criminal indictment was unsealed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, implicating prominent Indian executives, including Gautam Adani, in an alleged bribery and fraud scheme.
Gandhi stated, “Wherever there is corruption, an investigation should be conducted. But it must begin with Adani. Unless he is arrested, the probe won’t be credible. Arrest Adani, interrogate him, and then identify others involved. In the end, Narendra Modi’s name will surface because the BJP’s entire funding structure is under his control. Even if the Prime Minister wants to act, he cannot. In a way, Adani has hijacked the country. India is in Adani’s grip.”
At a press conference, Gandhi added, “It is now evident and established in America that Adani has violated both American and Indian laws. He is being indicted in the US, yet he continues to roam freely in India. Chief Ministers have been arrested, and Adani has allegedly committed a Rs2,000 crore scam and possibly many others, yet no investigation has been initiated.”
He further demanded, “Adani should be arrested today. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch, who shielded him by failing to investigate, must be removed, and an impartial investigation must be conducted.”
In response, the Adani Group strongly denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission against its directors, calling them “baseless.”
A spokesperson for the Adani Group stated, “The charges by the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green are unfounded and have been denied. As noted by the US Department of Justice, ‘the charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.’ We will explore all possible legal recourse.”
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra remarked that the company would defend itself, and the law would follow its due course.
Speaking at a press conference, Patra said, “Since morning, the media has been reporting on an issue concerning a company facing allegations in the US. We believe the company will defend itself, and the legal process will unfold accordingly.”
Patra also criticised Rahul Gandhi for “sensationalising” issues. He compared Gandhi’s approach to past allegations, including those about the Rafale deal and statements during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which Gandhi later apologised.
Patra stated, “Today, Rahul Gandhi held another press conference, repeating the same tactics of sensationalism. He has consistently used similar allegations against Prime Minister Modi to create hype. Whether it was the Rafale fighter jet deal before 2019 or his statements during COVID-19, he ultimately had to apologise to the Supreme Court. This is his pattern of attacking India’s institutions and those who protect them.”