He reiterated his long-standing demand for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Adani Group and called for Adani's arrest.
Published Nov 21, 2024 | 2:22 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 21, 2024 | 2:22 PM
Rahul Gandhi during the press conference. (Screengrab)
Following the issuance of an indictment against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani by a US court, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, 21 November, demanded an investigation on the issue and demanded his arrest.
“It is now clear and well-established in the US that Adani has violated both American and Indian laws. I wonder why Adani is still roaming free in India. I demand his arrest today over the corruption he has been doing,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters during a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.
He reiterated his long-standing demand for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Adani Group and called for Adani’s arrest.
He claimed that no action was being taken because Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shielding Adani.
On Wednesday, a federal court in Brooklyn, the US, indicted Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and seven others on charges of conspiring to commit financial fraud. It said they were involved in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from US investors and global financial institutions based on false and misleading statements.
It also alleged that the Adani Group paid bribes amounting to almost ₹2,000 crore to various state government officials in India to sign contracts with its renewable energy company.
Meanwhile, the Adani Group denied all allegations.
Rahul Gandhi said chief ministers and numerous others have been arrested for far smaller allegations.
“Yet, Adani, who is involved in a ₹2,000 crore scam with multiple parties, remains untouched. The Prime Minister is complicit in corruption involving Adani. Modi once said, “Ek hai to safe hai” (If one is united, they are safe). In India, Modi and Adani are the same, and nothing can be done against Adani,” he said.
“Chief ministers are jailed for allegations involving ₹10–15 crore, but Adani has committed scams worth thousands of crores and walks free. The reason is the Prime Minister’s protection of him,” he added.
He also demanded the removal of Madhabi Puri Buch as the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), alleging her involvement in inflating the stock prices of Adani Group.
“Adani’s actions are safeguarded by a network of people in influential positions. Madhabi Buch is part of this, and we will expose all of them. Madhabi Butch should be removed and replaced with someone credible. She is manipulating the markets, and retail investors will suffer if this continues,” Rahul Gandhi claimed in a press conference.
“This is a political, financial, and bureaucratic network that is capturing the political system in various states. Madhabi Buch must be removed and thoroughly investigated,” he added.
The Congress leader claimed that the lack of action against Adani stemmed from the support he has from the BJP and Prime Minister Modi.
“Nothing is happening in India, even though we have been demanding action for so long. Adani needs to be arrested. It is my responsibility to bring this matter to light. Prime Minister Modi is protecting Adani. Adani’s corruption is looting India’s assets, and BJP is supporting it,” he said.
“Even though unemployment and inflation are on the rise, Adani’s network ensures his protection,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi reiterated the need for a JPC and said, “The JPC is crucial — it must be formed.”
“Why is Adani not in jail? An American report exposed his crimes, but in India, he remains untouched. Adani is accused of giving bribes and selling power at exorbitant prices. Yet, the prime minister is silent, unwilling or unable to act since he is under Adani’s control,” he claimed.
“Even the FBI has pointed to corruption. Adani is implicated in daily wrongdoing. Wherever there is corruption, it must be investigated, starting with Adani. Arrest everyone involved,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP government will not dare to arrest Adani since it is run by Adani’s money and they would be exposed if any investigation is initiated.
“I guarantee Adani will not be arrested as long as his connections with Modi remain. I am confident Modi’s name will surface during the investigation. BJP’s close ties with Adani are why no action is being taken. Airports, ports, and defence partnerships have been awarded to Adani under suspicious circumstances,” he said.
“The Prime Minister’s credibility is in ruins. No government institution will act against Adani because the BJP controls them all,” he claimed.
“Adani’s corruption spans beyond India — there have been investigations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. This is becoming a pattern, with Modi sacrificing India’s credibility to benefit Adani’s business empire,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He said Congress, other Opposition parties, and activists are working together to address this issue.
“This corrupt system will eventually collapse. The kingpins behind this corruption must face justice,” he said.
When a reporter questioned about Adani Group projects in Congress-ruled states, he said, “Anyone involved, whether in Opposition or BJP governments, must be investigated.”
“We have no objection to due process being followed. However, we are against bribery, illegal lobbying, and monopolisation. Investigations must begin in every state and country, starting with Adani’s arrest,” he said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
