Rahul Gandhi, a Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, has responded to queries surrounding Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s recent meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani. During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi clarified that he did not question Sharad Pawar about his interactions with Adani, emphasizing that Sharad Pawar is not the Prime Minister of India.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come following the inauguration of a plant in Gujarat, where Sharad Pawar’s presence alongside Adani raised questions, particularly in light of the India Against Corruption (INDIA) bloc’s demands for an investigation into Adani’s business dealings. Rahul Gandhi pointed out that it is Prime Minister Modi who he holds accountable for allegedly protecting Adani, particularly in response to a recent Financial Times report that suggests overpricing in Adani’s coal imports.
Gandhi highlighted the Financial Times’ report, which raises concerns about the ‘mystery of Adani’s coal import’ and its impact on electricity prices in India. According to him, electricity prices are surging due to Adani’s alleged overpricing. He stressed that the public is paying more for electricity, with an estimated ₹32,000 crore attributed to Adani’s overpricing. Rahul Gandhi contended that such a situation is unlikely without the protection of Prime Minister Modi.
He criticized the lack of investigation into these allegations and called for transparency and accountability. Rahul Gandhi questioned why PM Modi has not addressed these issues and emphasized that it appears Adani is being shielded at the highest levels of the government.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments further drew attention to the ongoing investigations into Adani’s dealings in other countries and expressed concern about India seemingly providing unrestricted support to the industrialist.
Additionally, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the issue is not just about Adani but rather a matter of theft, stressing that anyone involved in such a significant financial discrepancy should face a thorough probe.
Regarding future actions, he suggested that Congress-ruled states that provide subsidized electricity may consider forming state-level investigations against Adani. When asked if Congress would initiate a probe into Adani if voted to power in 2024, Rahul Gandhi affirmed their commitment to addressing the matter, stating, “This is not a question about Adani. This is about theft. And anyone who steals ₹32,000 crore should face a probe.”
Sources By Agencies