India’s Parliament was abruptly suspended today, mere minutes into its session, as opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings for the third consecutive day, demanding an immediate debate on serious allegations against the Adani Group.
The controversy centers around claims by U.S. authorities that Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, along with his nephew Sagar Adani and Vneet S. Jaain, managing director of Adani Green, allegedly paid $265 million in bribes to secure lucrative solar power contracts in India. They are also accused of misleading U.S. investors in fundraising efforts.
Opposition members, led by India’s main opposition Congress Party, have been vocal in demanding a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress MP Manickam Tagore emphasized the urgency of the matter, telling the media, “We want a discussion in Parliament on this. This is the third day we have been seeking an answer from the Prime Minister on the Adani issue.”
The uproar reflects broader concerns among opposition parties, who accuse Prime Minister Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of shielding Adani from scrutiny and facilitating his rise as one of India’s most powerful businessmen.
Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader and frequent critic of the Modi government, has escalated demands, calling for the immediate arrest of 62-year-old Gautam Adani. Gandhi has long accused the Modi-Adani relationship of epitomizing crony capitalism in India.
Despite the growing pressure, the government has remained silent on the allegations. The BJP has dismissed the opposition’s demands, asserting that the party has no obligation to defend Adani.
A BJP spokesperson reiterated that the party is not anti-industrialist and views business leaders as essential partners in India’s development. The spokesperson added, “We support industrialists as they contribute to the nation’s progress and economic growth, but that doesn’t imply favoritism or interference in investigations.”
The standoff in Parliament highlights the intensifying debate over the influence of corporate giants like the Adani Group on Indian politics and governance. As the controversy unfolds, opposition parties have vowed to continue their protests until the government agrees to an open debate and investigation.
