New Delhi [India], December 5: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticized the Union government over the issue of US prosecutors linking industrialist Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not initiate an investigation into Adani because doing so would also implicate himself.
“Modi ji can’t get Adani ji investigated because if he does, he would be getting himself investigated… Modi and Adani are one, not two,” Gandhi stated, as he participated in a protest by opposition MPs over the Adani issue.
The protesting opposition MPs wore jackets with the slogan: “Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani Safe Hai,” as a symbol of their protest.
Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla also addressed the issue, saying, “A question mark has been raised over the character and reputation of Indian businessmen globally. One individual is tarnishing the country’s image, and the PM should answer. He should constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the matter.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also seen participating in the opposition protest.
Other opposition leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, Jairam Ramesh, and KC Venugopal, joined the protest wearing similar jackets with the slogan: “Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani Safe Hai.”
Since the start of the Winter Session, Parliament proceedings have been frequently disrupted due to protests by opposition parties over the Adani issue, as well as ongoing violence in Manipur and Sambhal. The winter session, which began on November 25, will continue until December 20.
The Adani Group has denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the directors of Adani Green. The BJP, in turn, defended Prime Minister Modi, stating that the law should be allowed to take its course, and criticized Rahul Gandhi for his remarks.
An Adani Group spokesperson stated, “The charges by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission are baseless and have been denied.” The spokesperson added, “As the US Department of Justice itself has stated, ‘the charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.’ All possible legal recourse will be pursued.”
The Adani Group assured its stakeholders, partners, and employees of its commitment to the “highest standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance” across all jurisdictions of its operations.