As the Winter Session of Parliament commenced on Monday, the opposition parties made a strong push for a debate on the indictment of the Adani Group. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs gave separate notices, demanding a discussion and investigation into the alleged bribery and fraud charges against the conglomerate.
Congress MP KC Venugopal was among the first to raise the issue, giving an adjournment notice to discuss the indictment of the Adani Group. Venugopal’s notice called for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the allegations of bribery, securities fraud, and wire fraud against the company. The opposition has been pressing for accountability on the charges, particularly in light of a US court’s involvement in the case.
“The government must clarify its stance and ensure unbiased investigations to uphold India’s democratic and economic integrity,” read the letter from Congress MP Hibi Eden, who also gave an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha regarding the issue. Eden’s notice follows reports of an indictment in a US court that have raised serious concerns about the Adani Group’s business practices.
Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, too, joined the opposition’s call for a debate by issuing a Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267, demanding that Parliament discuss the recent indictment of Gautam Adani and the broader implications for India’s economy and governance. Singh’s notice also called for a clear response from the government on the matter.
The controversy revolves around charges against the Adani Group in the US, which allege a bribery scheme involving more than $265 million in bribes to secure lucrative solar power deals. The charges also include accusations of defrauding global investors, which has prompted calls from the opposition for thorough investigations into the matter.
The opposition has expressed concern over the lack of government action on the issue. Congress MP Manickam Tagore, the whip for the party in the Lok Sabha, also announced his intention to move for an adjournment motion on the same matter. Tagore’s letter to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha detailed the charges against Adani Group, including the alleged bribery and securities fraud. He emphasised the need for a discussion to address these serious allegations and ensure transparency in the investigation process.
“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance,” Tagore wrote in his letter. He further highlighted the gravity of the allegations, including the bribery scheme involving solar power deals, and the impact it could have on global investor confidence.
In response to the opposition’s push, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Sunday that the government was prepared to discuss the matter in Parliament. However, he added that the government would ensure the discussions are held in accordance with the rules of procedure, and the issue would be addressed at the appropriate time during the session.
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The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on Monday, is set to consider and introduce several significant pieces of legislation. Among the bills expected to be discussed are the Waqf Act (Amendment) Bill, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, and the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, to name a few. Other bills on the agenda include the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.
While the government is focused on passing key legislation, the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Adani issue is likely to dominate proceedings. As the session progresses, it remains to be seen whether the government will allow the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the charges or if the matter will be addressed through other means.
With the opposition unrelenting in its pursuit of justice and transparency, the Adani controversy promises to be a major point of contention in Parliament’s Winter Session, setting the stage for intense political debates in the days ahead.
