'Adani Ka Duniya Mein Danka ..,' Congress Slams Gautam Adani and BJP Govt After US Bribery Case, Demands 4 Key Actions

Gautam Adani: In light of the recent US bribery case against Gautam Adani, Congress has intensified its criticism of the industrialist. At a press conference, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate outlined allegations and demanded action, asserting that Adani’s global ventures face scrutiny. She claimed Adani remains "untouchable" in India due to alleged protection from the ruling BJP government.

Congress Highlights Global Setbacks for Adani Group

Supriya Shrinate pointed out several international developments that have put the Adani Group under pressure:

• French Energy Giant Withdraws: TotalEnergies, a major energy company with a 20% stake in Adani Green, announced it would halt future investments.
• US Financial Review: A US agency is reconsidering financing for the Adani-backed $553 million Sri Lankan port deal.
• Sri Lankan Scrutiny: Sri Lanka has started reviewing its power deal with Adani.
• Global Protests: Workers at Israel’s Haifa Port and Australian protesters have raised concerns over Adani’s operations.
• Deals Cancelled: Kenya’s government canceled Adani’s power and airport contracts.
• Legal Actions in Bangladesh: A Bangladesh court ordered an investigation into Adani Power’s activities.
• Swiss Investigation: Switzerland froze ₹2,617 crore in accounts linked to Adani as part of a fraud probe.
• US Arrest Warrants: American authorities issued warrants against Adani for alleged bribery and fraud.

Congress Alleges Government Inaction

Supriya Shrinate accused the Indian government of shielding Gautam Adani, stating, “Adani is safe only in India, where no action is taken against him. Investigative agencies remain silent while Parliament adjourns any discussion on Adani.”

She further alleged that the ruling party, BJP, has changed laws to protect Adani and silenced dissent in Parliament whenever his name is brought up. According to Congress, this silence is damaging India’s credibility on the global stage.

Congress’ Four Key Demands

The Congress party has outlined four specific demands to address the allegations against Gautam Adani:

1. Immediate Investigation and Arrest: Congress has called for an impartial probe and the immediate arrest of Adani for allegations of bribery and corruption.
2. Parliamentary Discussion: A detailed discussion on the allegations against Adani should be conducted in Parliament without adjournments or disruptions.
3. Objective Investigation by Agencies: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and SEBI must investigate the allegations thoroughly and without bias.
4. Stop BJP’s Defense of Adani: Congress demanded that BJP ministers and officials stop defending Adani, as doing so tarnishes India's corporate governance and global image.

Adani Group Responds to Allegations

The Adani Group has denied US bribery allegations against its founder Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain. In a stock exchange filing on November 27, the group called media reports about violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) "incorrect." The filing clarified that the US Department of Justice indictment does not charge the Adani executives with bribery.

"Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain have not been charged with any violation of the FCPA in the counts set forth in the indictment of the US DOJ or civil complaint of the US SEC. These directors have been charged on three counts in the criminal indictment, namely (i) alleged securities fraud conspiracy, (ii) alleged wire fraud conspiracy, and (iii) alleged securities fraud," the filing said.