Raising Slogans, Wearing Stickers, and Demanding Probe into Adani’s Indictment
New Delhi, December 5, 2024 – In a dramatic and unusual protest outside Parliament, leaders of several opposition parties in the INDIA bloc, including Congress, RJD, and Left parties, wore black jackets emblazoned with provocative stickers reading “Modi Adani Ek Hai” (Modi and Adani are One) and “Adani Safe Hai” (Adani is Safe). They raised slogans and demanded a joint parliamentary probe into the ongoing Adani controversy following the industrialist’s indictment in a US court on charges of bribery and fraud.
Protest in the Heart of Power
The protest, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and supported by prominent lawmakers like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took place at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, rather than the steps leading directly to the Parliament building, after a warning from the Lok Sabha Secretariat about obstructing the movement of MPs and affecting safety protocols.
Rahul Gandhi: “Modi Can’t Escape Responsibility”
Speaking to reporters during the protest, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot initiate an investigation into the Adani Group because it would directly implicate him. Modi and Adani are two sides of the same coin, and this connection cannot be ignored. The Prime Minister must come to the House and speak on the issue, and the people of India deserve to know the truth.”
Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also joined the protest, demanding that Parliament discuss the serious charges against Adani, including his recent indictment in the US courts. The Congress party has made it clear that it will not rest until a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the matter is initiated.
The Adani Indictment: A Game-Changer
The allegations against Gautam Adani have created a storm, especially after a US court’s indictment of the Adani Group’s senior executives for bribery and fraud. While opposition parties argue that the charges validate their calls for a thorough investigation, the Adani Group has steadfastly dismissed the claims as “baseless.”
The Congress party has stepped up its demand for the establishment of a JPC, arguing that the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue only deepens suspicions about his involvement in protecting Adani.
Cross-Party Unity and TMC’s Absence
The protest saw leaders from several opposition parties coming together to demand accountability. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to stay away from the demonstration. The absence of the TMC raised questions about the depth of opposition unity on this issue.
Lok Sabha Secretariat’s Advisory
In a response to the ongoing protests, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory reminding MPs not to obstruct movement around the Parliament gates. This move came after several opposition leaders staged protests in front of Makar Dwar on Tuesday and Wednesday, despite security concerns flagged by Speaker Om Birla.
The Call for Justice
As the protest gained momentum, leaders like Rahul Gandhi repeated their demand for the immediate arrest of Adani, urging that his alleged crimes should not be swept under the rug. Priyanka Gandhi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the issue had gone beyond political rivalry and was a matter of national importance.
Adani Group’s Response
The Adani Group has responded to the allegations, labeling them as “baseless” and stating that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. However, their rebuttal has not quelled the opposition’s demands for a full-scale investigation.
What’s Next?
The ongoing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties is expected to escalate, with more protests and debates planned in Parliament. Whether a joint parliamentary committee will be formed to investigate the allegations against Adani remains to be seen. For now, the opposition has made it clear: the matter is far from over.
