In a striking display of dissent Congress MPs on Thursday staged a unique protest in Parliament, donning black jackets emblazoned with the slogan “Modi Adani ek hain” (“Modi and Adani are one”). The demonstration, led by senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, spotlighted the Opposition’s demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations of bribery and fraud against billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew.
The allegations stem from recent indictments by U.S. prosecutors, and the issue has become a flashpoint in Indian politics. The Congress and other parties in the INDIA bloc have intensified their call for accountability, claiming a nexus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the embattled industrialist.
Addressing reporters during the protest, Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of shielding Adani. “Modi ji cannot allow Adani ji to be investigated because investigating him means investigating himself. Modi and Adani are not two—they are one,” he asserted, reinforcing the Opposition’s charge of cronyism.
Protest and Parliamentary Tensions
The Congress-led protest unfolded in the Parliament complex during the Winter Session, with MPs gathering near the iconic Makar Dwar. Holding banners and raising slogans, members of the Congress, AAP, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, and the Left parties united to demand the JPC probe. The Trinamool Congress, notably, abstained from the demonstration.
On Wednesday, a similar protest by INDIA bloc leaders rocked the Parliament premises. The Congress argued that Adani’s indictment in the U.S. validated their long-standing concerns about alleged financial irregularities linked to his conglomerate. Rahul Gandhi, who last month called for Adani’s arrest, reiterated that the scandal underscored the need for a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a statement earlier in the week urging MPs to refrain from holding protests near Parliament gates, citing safety and security concerns. However, Opposition MPs dismissed the advisory and persisted with their demonstrations, declaring that the fight for accountability would continue unabated.
The Adani Controversy
The controversy centers on accusations of bribery and fraud involving Adani Group executives, which have sparked demands for transparency and accountability in India. The Adani Group, however, has rejected the allegations as baseless, labeling them politically motivated.
As the Opposition ramps up its campaign for a JPC probe, the BJP has dismissed the protests as a political stunt. The issue has deepened the divide between the ruling party and the Opposition, raising the stakes for parliamentary debates in the coming days.
The symbolic protests and fiery rhetoric reflect the growing momentum of the INDIA bloc as they seek to challenge the government’s stance on corporate accountability and governance. The Adani controversy has now become a litmus test for both sides, with its implications likely to resonate far beyond the halls of Parliament.
