November 21, 2024 - Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today launched a scathing attack against the Centre for allegedly protecting Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his Group despite serious charges filed against him in the US over a $250 million bribery scheme. "As Leader of Opposition, it is my responsibility to raise this issue… our demand for JPC stands”, Gandhi said at a press conference hours after the indictment news broke. He added “The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is hundred percent protecting this person.”

Gandhi gave an ultimatum to the Modi-led government to arrest Adani today itself. He also demanded a probe against Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. 

"Adani should be arrested immediately and his 'protector' Madhabi Puri Buch should be probed," Gandhi said. "However, we know and want to show this to the country that Adani will not be arrested because the Prime Minister is his protector,” he alleged. "This person has obtained India's assets through corruption. This person supports the BJP... these things are established,” Gandhi said.

Speaking to the press, the Congress leader said, “It is now pretty clear and established in America that Mr Adani has broken both American law and Indian law. He has been indicted in the United States, and I am wondering why Mr Adani is still running around a free man in this country."

“We have been raising this again and again and again. We have raising it with the Madhabi Buch issue and it is a vindication of what we have been saying. The Prime Minister is protecting Mr Adani and the Prime Minister is involved in corruption with Mr Adani. This is being clearly indicated,” said Gandhi.

Gautam Adani, his nephew and executive director of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) Sagar Adani as well as MD and CEO of AGEL Vneet Jaain have been accused of allegedly bribing Indian officials with $250 million in order to procure lucrative solar energy contracts. The indictment was pronounced in the Eastern District of New York.