This decision comes amid mounting controversy surrounding the Adani Group, which is embroiled in a major U.S. legal case. U.S. prosecutors have indicted the group for allegedly participating in a $265 million bribery scheme
Published Nov 25, 2024 | 5:35 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2024 | 8:15 PM
Telangana government halts transfer of ₹100 crore donation from Adani Foundation amid controversy
The Telangana government has decided not to receive a ₹100 crore donation pledged by the Adani Foundation for the establishment of the Young India Skills University. Citing ongoing controversies surrounding the Adani Group, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy said that a letter has been written to Adani foundation turning down the donation.
The #Telangana government has reportedly rejected a donation from #GautamAdani for the establishment of a skill university in the state. pic.twitter.com/LEkF825Wi9
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 25, 2024
In a letter, Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary and Government Commissioner for Industrial Promotion, informed Dr. Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, of the state’s decision. The letter thanked the foundation for its commitment to fund the university but clarified that the Telangana government would not be seeking the transfer of funds at this time.
“We are grateful for your commitment of ₹100 crore to the Young India Skills University. However, we have not yet requested any donors to transfer funds, as the university has only recently received IT exemption under Section 80G,” Ranjan wrote. “In light of the current circumstances and the ongoing controversies, I have been directed by the Chief Minister not to pursue the transfer of funds at this moment.”
The donation was originally pledged during a meeting between Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on October 18, 2024.
A delegation from Adani Foundation, led by Chairperson of Adani Group, Mr @gautam_adani, met with Hon’ble Chief Minister @revanth_anumula garu to handover a donation cheque of Rs 100 crore towards the establishment of Young India Skills University.
Mr Adani also promised… pic.twitter.com/knd4bezz7e
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) October 18, 2024
This decision follows growing controversy linked to the Adani Group, which has been embroiled in a high-profile legal case in the United States. U.S. prosecutors recently indicted the Adani Group, accusing the conglomerate of being involved in an elaborate bribery scheme to the tune of $265 million (approximately ₹2,200 crore).
The charges allege that the Adani Group paid bribes to Indian officials to secure favourable terms for solar power contracts in multiple states, including Telangana.
The timing of the Telangana government’s decision coincides with heightened scrutiny of the Adani Group, which is also facing criticism from political opponents.
During a press conference, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the state government was keen to avoid being embroiled in any controversy following the U.S. indictment. “The government doesn’t want to get involved in any issues given the latest developments,” he communicated.
The U.S. indictment has reignited opposition attacks on the Narendra Modi-led central government, with Congress accusing it of attempting to shield Adani.
The controversy has also spurred a strong response from other political leaders. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has pledged to act on the alleged irregularities.
Speaking in Amaravati, Naidu revealed that the state government had access to “chargesheet reports” related to the bribery case, filed in the U.S. He promised to take appropriate action based on the findings.
The Adani Group has firmly denied the charges, calling them “baseless” and stating that the company adheres to all laws and regulations. The conglomerate has also vowed to pursue legal recourse in response to the allegations.
The ₹100 crore donation from the Adani Foundation was intended to support the establishment of the Young India Skills University in Telangana, aimed at developing industry-specific skills among youth.
However, the donation has sparked sharp criticism, especially from opposition parties. Both the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have accused Congress of “double standards” in its handling of the Adani issue.
Speaking at a press conference, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy called out the previous BRS government and alleged they had close ties to Adani. He presented photos of KTR meeting Gautam Adani, and a list of projects that showed the Adani Group presence in Telangana, approved by the previous BRS government.
Adani Group has a strong presence in Telangana through a range of ongoing and proposed projects across defence, technology, logistics, and infrastructure.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
