Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for the arrest of Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, following a U.S. indictment that accuses him and two other executives of involvement in a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. The indictment, filed by U.S. prosecutors in New York, claims that Adani, along with executives Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain of Adani Green Energy, paid over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to secure solar energy contracts worth $2 billion. Gandhi emphasized the gravity of the charges, demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against Adani.
Key Allegations and Remarks:
- Fraud Scheme: The U.S. indictment alleges that the Adani Group engaged in a large-scale bribery operation to secure lucrative solar energy contracts. This, according to U.S. authorities, involved a payment of over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials.
- Rahul Gandhi’s Demand: Gandhi stated that Adani should be arrested and punished, emphasizing the serious concerns around governance and corruption that these allegations raise.
Political Attack on PM Modi and SEBI Chief:
- Shielding Adani: Rahul Gandhi directly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of shielding Adani from scrutiny. He alleged that Modi’s protection allowed Adani to escape justice despite facing serious allegations both in India and abroad.
- SEBI Chief’s Removal: Gandhi also demanded the removal of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chief, Madhabi Puri Buch, claiming she had been supportive of Adani amid the ongoing financial misconduct allegations.
Congress’s Criticism of BJP’s Inaction:
- BJP’s Alleged Role: Gandhi criticized the BJP for not taking action against Adani, despite the severity of the allegations. He pointed to the contrast in how the ruling government handles cases involving ordinary citizens versus powerful figures like Adani. Gandhi specifically referred to the BJP’s slogan, “Ek hai to safe hai” (if they are together, they are safe), implying that Adani and Modi are immune to legal repercussions.
- Lack of Action in India: Gandhi also stressed that while U.S. authorities have taken action, no such steps have been taken by Indian authorities. He claimed this reflected the BJP’s failure to address corruption within the country.
Background:
This demand for action against Adani comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Adani Group. In 2023, Hindenburg Research raised allegations of financial misconduct, which have contributed to the growing scrutiny of the conglomerate. The latest U.S. indictment further intensifies the pressure on the Adani Group, but the conglomerate has not yet responded to the allegations or the calls for legal action from Indian political leaders.
