Both Houses of Parliament were rocked on Wednesday as the Opposition intensified its demand for a debate on allegations against the Adani Group. Proceedings were disrupted, leading to multiple adjournments and the complete washout of the winter session’s third day.
Opposition Pushes for JPC Investigation
The uproar comes in the wake of a criminal indictment by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and a civil complaint by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the Adani Group. Allegations suggest irregularities in agreements related to solar power projects, with accusations of incentivizing states to sign unfavorable Power Sales Agreements (PSAs).
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into what they called the “Modani scam,” alleging global ramifications and connections to the Prime Minister. “He (Gautam Adani) should be in jail. The government is protecting him,” Gandhi said.
Government’s Defense
The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as baseless, and its supporters have come forward with legal arguments. Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi clarified that neither Gautam Adani nor his nephew Sagar Adani was named in allegations of bribery or obstruction of justice under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani called the evidence “sketchy” and labeled the case a “hatchet job” by elements of the US political system.
Parliament Disrupted
In both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, protests from Opposition MPs led to adjournments. Speaker Om Birla criticized the disruptions, urging members to allow the House to function. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected 18 adjournment motions before proceedings were adjourned for the day.
Dhankhar emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary traditions, remarking, “A ruling of the chair requires deference and not cause of differences.”
Broader Context and Next Steps
The controversy has coincided with heightened tensions over other issues, including recent violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district. While the government hopes the protests will subside, the Opposition appears determined to keep the pressure on, with more protests expected next week.
On Thursday, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will bolster the Opposition ranks as she takes her oath after winning the Wayanad by-election.
As the winter session continues, the standoff over the Adani allegations remains a flashpoint, raising questions about transparency, corporate governance, and political accountability.
