Indian Parl. disrupted over Adani Group allegations

India’s lower house of parliament was suspended for a second consecutive day on Wednesday as lawmakers demanded a discussion on the US indictment against the Adani Group.

Gautam Adani, the billionaire founder of the conglomerate, along with his nephew Sagar Adani and six others, are facing charges in a $265-million bribery scheme to secure solar power contracts in five regions in India.

The Adani Group has refuted the allegations as “baseless” and plans to pursue legal action.

Opposition parties, primarily the Congress, have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of shielding the Adani Group and obstructing investigations. The government has refuted these allegations.

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted as opposition members raised slogans and demanded a debate on the Adani issue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called for the arrest of Gautam Adani, accusing the government of protecting him.

The BJP, while distancing itself from the controversy, has asserted that the law will take its course. The party has emphasised that it does not support wrongdoing and that industrialists are considered partners in nation-building, but they must adhere to the law.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama