NEW DELHI – The Indian Parliament was temporarily suspended on November 28 after opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings for the third consecutive day, demanding a discussion on serious allegations against the Adani Group. The protests were sparked by accusations from U.S. authorities that Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Vneet S. Jaain, managing director of Adani Green, were involved in a scheme to pay bribes totaling $265 million to secure solar power contracts in India, while misleading U.S. investors during fundraising efforts.
“We want a discussion on this in Parliament,” said Manickam Tagore, a lawmaker from the Congress party, which has been leading the protests. Opposition parties, including Congress, have called for a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, demanding accountability.
Many opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have accused Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of shielding Adani and blocking investigations. However, the government has denied these claims, asserting that it has no reason to defend Adani and that the legal process will take its course. BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal emphasized that industrialists are seen as partners in India’s nation-building efforts but insisted that Adani must defend himself against the allegations.
The controversy continues to stir political tensions in India, with growing calls for transparency and accountability regarding the alleged corruption.