The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after his recent allegations of corruption involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Adani Group. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, during a press conference on Thursday, dismissed the accusations and clarified that the states mentioned in the US indictment against the Adani Group were ruled by opposition parties, not the BJP.
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Adani Bribery Allegations: A Summary
According to US prosecutors, the Adani Group allegedly paid $265 million in bribes to Indian government officials between 2021 and 2023 to secure contracts with state electricity distribution companies. The group has strongly denied these allegations, terming them baseless and unsubstantiated.
The states named in the indictment include:
- Odisha: Governed by Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
- Tamil Nadu: Under the rule of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
- Chhattisgarh: Controlled by the Congress
- Jammu and Kashmir: Under Central rule during the mentioned period
- Andhra Pradesh: Led by Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)
BJP’s Counterattack
Sambit Patra emphasized that none of these states were under BJP governance during the period mentioned in the indictment. He accused Rahul Gandhi of using baseless allegations to target Prime Minister Modi and tarnish India’s image on the global stage.
“None of the four states mentioned in the charges against the Adani Group had a BJP chief minister. Congress and its allies ruled Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh during this time,” Patra stated.
BJP Defends PM Modi
Patra accused Rahul Gandhi of a pattern of making false accusations against Indian institutions and leaders. Referring to previous controversies, Patra said:
- In 2019, Gandhi made similar claims regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal, which later proved to lack evidence.
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, he accused the government of mishandling vaccine distribution, only to later retract.
- Gandhi even apologized before the Supreme Court for spreading misinformation.
“Rahul Gandhi has a habit of attacking the Prime Minister and creating false narratives against India. This is another such attempt,” Patra said.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the Adani Group’s corrupt practices are linked to the BJP and Prime Minister Modi. Speaking at a press event, he claimed, “Modi ji is hand in glove with Adani in corrupt activities. This is a government of crony capitalism.”
Adani Group’s Response
The Adani Group categorically denied the allegations, labeling them “fabricated” and “an attempt to malign our reputation.” In a statement, the company maintained that all its business dealings comply with Indian and international laws.
Political Implications
The controversy has added fuel to the political rivalry between the BJP and Congress ahead of key state and national elections. While the BJP has sought to shield Prime Minister Modi from the fallout, Congress aims to position the allegations as evidence of cronyism and corruption under the BJP-led central government.
Conclusion
The Adani bribery case has become a flashpoint in Indian politics, with both BJP and Congress trading barbs. While the allegations have yet to be proven, they underscore the high stakes of governance and accountability in India’s evolving political landscape.