The ongoing controversy surrounding the Adani Group led to a major disruption in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, as the Opposition demanded a debate on the latest allegations against the conglomerate. The protests, fueled by accusations related to bribery and financial irregularities, forced adjournments and effectively washed out the third day of the winter session.
The charges stem from a criminal indictment filed by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and a civil complaint by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing the Adani Group of engaging in corrupt practices related to solar power agreements. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) allegedly entered into a deal to buy solar power from the Adani Group at inflated prices, which, in turn, made it difficult for states to sign Power Sales Agreements (PSA). Prosecutors argue that the Adani Group incentivized states to sign these agreements.
While the Adani Group has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless, the opposition bloc, led by INDIA, has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. They demanded the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe what they termed the “Modani scam,” citing global implications.
The protests intensified on Wednesday as Opposition MPs, some of whom had submitted motions for adjournment, sought discussions on both the Adani issue and recent violent incidents in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district. The House, however, faced disruptions as MPs raised slogans and stormed the Well of the House. Despite Speaker Om Birla’s appeals to allow the Question Hour to continue, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after a brief break.
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, rejected 18 adjournment motions, leading to more protests by the Opposition. They demanded a JPC to investigate the allegations against the Adani Group, as well as the rising incidents of violence in Sambhal and crime in the national capital. The Opposition continued to press their demands even after the House resumed, leading Dhankhar to state that there could be no point of order when the House was in disorder.
The controversy reached its peak when Lok Sabha leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, accused the government of shielding Adani. Gandhi questioned how Adani, indicted in the US, was not facing arrest, pointing out the hypocrisy of the government in protecting a billionaire while ordinary citizens were arrested for minor charges.
As the protests continued, both Houses of Parliament struggled to proceed with regular business, overshadowed by the escalating political storm surrounding the Adani Group.
