Congress Rajya Sabha MP and Communications in-charge, Jairam Ramesh launched a fresh attack on PM Modi over ‘tempo loads of cash’ remarks on May 19. Jairam Ramesh accused PM Modi of misusing ED, CBI, and IT against the opposition. Congress leader asked the PM to take action against Adani and Ambani for giving black money to the Congress. Jairam Ramesh said, “The way ED, CBI, and I-T are being misused by the Modi government, this has never happened before. PM Modi made the ED arrest Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal and put them in jail. PM Modi himself says that Adani and Ambani took black money in tempo to Congress office, so why is he not initiating a probe against them?”
Tag: Adani
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Congress dares PM to investigate Ambani, Adani for ‘distributing’ black money to it
New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his investigating agencies like the CBI and the ED to probe the charges he has levelled against businessmen Ambani and Adani that they were distributing sacks full of black money in tempos. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate claimed that the prime minister was never seen so weak and desperate that he ended up making great revelations about corruption in the country and exposing his own friends.
She was referring to the charge on Wednesday made by prime minister who, for the first time during Lok Sabha poll campaign, accused the Congress of having a “deal” with “Ambani and Adani”, and asked if the party has received “tempo loads of black money” from the two industrialists for its leader Rahul Gandhi to stop “abusing” them.
Shrinate pointed out that Rahul Gandhi has been saying the same thing for the last 10 years that the big businessmen possessed black money but the prime minister was not taking action against them. She said, the prime minister has gathered the courage and admitted about it. She asked when will the prime minister use his agencies like the CBI, the ED and the Income Tax to probe these charges. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States “The prime minister of this country has never been so weak, helpless and desperate before. Yesterday, Narendra Modi showed courage and made a big revelation on corruption. “The PM got this courage by looking at Rahul Gandhi, who is fearlessly exposing corruption, speaking out against the corrupt with great vigour and exposing Adani and Ambani. It was with this courage that Narendra Modi made such a big disclosure about corruption,” she said. Shrinate charged that looking at his upcoming defeat, Prime Minister Modi made serious allegations of corruption. “Now that it has been revealed then what is there to fear from? Get it investigated… Get raids conducted at your friends’ places. The irony is that the prime minister is making allegations but the investigating agencies and the media are stunned. Don’t be afraid… Get it checked. We will support you,” she told reporters.
Several Congress leaders put out video messages on their social media handles asking when will Prime Minister Modi order investigation against Adani and Ambani after his big allegation.
Shrinate also said the Congress wants to assure the people that they should not be scared.
“Narendra Modi created 22 billionaires. We will create crores of ‘lakhpatis’, and that is our promise,” she claimed.
The Congress leader claimed that the revelations made by Prime Minister Modi on corruption have created a stir in the entire BJP and the government.
“The people are scared because they know that when Modi Ji can sacrifice his close aides after seeing the defeat then where do they stand,” she alleged.
She claimed that even those officers who were working on Modi’s instructions are scared. All of them have understood that the government is about to change, she said.
“There is a clear writing on the wall that neither the BJP is going to form the government at the Centre on June 4 nor is Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister again,” she said, adding that this has already become clear in the first three phases of polling.
In a change of narrative on the ‘Ambani-Adani’ issue, which was until now used by the Congress to attack Modi and his government at the Centre, the prime minister also demanded that the party should explain to the people why it has stopped raising the issue as its ‘Shehzada’ (Rahul Gandhi) used to do for the past five years and asked if it has struck a ‘sauda’ (deal).
The Prime Minister also said, “Certainly something is fishy. For five years, (they) abused Adani-Ambani and it stopped overnight. It means you have received some tempo loads of ‘chori ka maal’ (loot)… Kaale dhan ki kitni boriya bharkar ke rupaye maare hain (how many sacks of black money you have taken)? You have to answer the nation.”
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pm modi: ‘Modi govt is Adani govt’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi at a rally in Tamil Nadu
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the current government actually is Adani govt.
At a rally in Tamil Nadu, the Congress leader said, “Modi govt actually is Adani government, it should be called Adani government and not Modi government.”
“Be it airport, highway, any infra project; somehow Govt of India just gives it to Adani,” he added.More to come.
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Iron ore mining agreement with Adani Group terminated in Chhattisgarh
Express News Service
RAIPUR: The NMDC-CMDC Ltd (as joint venture company NCL) has terminated the iron ore mining services agreement signed with Adani Enterprises Ltd, (AEL), saying it had not taken essential steps toward achieving the conditions and objectives specified in the contract.
The termination is related to the allocation of south Chhattisgarh’s Bailadila iron ore Deposit-13 at Kirandul in Dantewada to AEL.
The competent authority of the NMDC-CMDC Ltd examined various terms and conditions of the agreement and cited the response of AEL to the show cause notice (issued to it earlier on July 11 for termination), as “Not satisfactory and didn’t cover the areas that were detailed in the show cause notice”, and further added that the reply didn’t infuse any confidence as M/s Adani was silent on its responsibility to initiate steps.
Speaking on AEL’s response to the show cause notice, NCL said the shifting of responsibilities is a lame proposition not worthy of acceptance. Reacting to the reply of AEL, the chief executive officer of the NCL in the termination order stated: “To say that the failure lies with the NCL is not only inaccurate but also mischievous. There is no point in continuing a non-starter any further. The iron ore mining service agreement dated December 6, 2018 stands cancelled”.
The Adani Group avoided commenting on the development.
“We have diligently fulfilled all our obligations since NMDC-CMDC Ltd awarded the contract for developing and operating Deposit-13 Iron Ore Block by NCL in 2018 through a transparent and competitive bidding process. However, considering the provisions of the agreement and the current circumstances, we choose not to comment at this time,” the Adani Group spokesperson told The New Indian Express.
The allocation of Bailadila Deposit-13, having the mine capacity of 10 metric ton per annum, also witnessed a protest in June 2019 by tribal villagers who claimed the given deposit is the centre of their faith with deity Nandraj Dev in the region. Following this, the Chhattisgarh government then halted the project work.
RAIPUR: The NMDC-CMDC Ltd (as joint venture company NCL) has terminated the iron ore mining services agreement signed with Adani Enterprises Ltd, (AEL), saying it had not taken essential steps toward achieving the conditions and objectives specified in the contract.
The termination is related to the allocation of south Chhattisgarh’s Bailadila iron ore Deposit-13 at Kirandul in Dantewada to AEL.
The competent authority of the NMDC-CMDC Ltd examined various terms and conditions of the agreement and cited the response of AEL to the show cause notice (issued to it earlier on July 11 for termination), as “Not satisfactory and didn’t cover the areas that were detailed in the show cause notice”, and further added that the reply didn’t infuse any confidence as M/s Adani was silent on its responsibility to initiate steps.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Speaking on AEL’s response to the show cause notice, NCL said the shifting of responsibilities is a lame proposition not worthy of acceptance. Reacting to the reply of AEL, the chief executive officer of the NCL in the termination order stated: “To say that the failure lies with the NCL is not only inaccurate but also mischievous. There is no point in continuing a non-starter any further. The iron ore mining service agreement dated December 6, 2018 stands cancelled”.
The Adani Group avoided commenting on the development.
“We have diligently fulfilled all our obligations since NMDC-CMDC Ltd awarded the contract for developing and operating Deposit-13 Iron Ore Block by NCL in 2018 through a transparent and competitive bidding process. However, considering the provisions of the agreement and the current circumstances, we choose not to comment at this time,” the Adani Group spokesperson told The New Indian Express.
The allocation of Bailadila Deposit-13, having the mine capacity of 10 metric ton per annum, also witnessed a protest in June 2019 by tribal villagers who claimed the given deposit is the centre of their faith with deity Nandraj Dev in the region. Following this, the Chhattisgarh government then halted the project work.
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Adani-Hindenburg case: ‘Arguments made in court affect share market’, SC tells SEBI
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: “Let there be some alacrity,” Supreme Court said while it proposed to grant market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board) three months for completing the probe in the Adani-Hindenburg saga.
A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that the court would pass orders on SEBI’s application on Monday after perusing the report of the court-appointed expert committee headed by Justice AM Sapre.
“To now extend 6 months time may not be appropriate and we will extend the time for three months cause they have a point saying that SEBI was already investigating,” CJI said.
The CJI during the hearing also rapped a counsel who was levelling allegations against SEBI for regulatory failure.
“We have asked the committee to enquire if there is any regulatory failure. How can you say that? Don’t just stand up and levy allegations against the regulator. Whatever you argue here affects the volatility of the stock market,” the CJI said.
In an attempt to convince the bench to extend the time for six months, SG Tushar Mehta said, “We have narrated the facts and it requires us 6 months more. We have reached a particular stage and for reaching any conclusion we need 6 months more. 6 months is the minimum time required.”
Objecting to the time sought, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said, “SEBI was investigating some of these transactions as far back in 2016 which is more than 6 years ago. SEBI is a partner of an International Corporate organisation on IOSCO (The International Organization of Securities Commissions) under the treaty of this organisation. SEBI is governing board and tax haven countries are members of this organisation. They can seek any information and secrecy will prevent any member country from giving the information sought.
Laying emphasis on the “complexity involved in the matter,” SEBI in the application had said, “Keeping in view the forgoing circumstances, it would take further time to arrive at verified findings and conclude the investigation referred to herein above. SEBI also respectfully submits that for ascertaining possible violations related to misrepresentation of financials, circumvention of Regulations and/or fraudulent nature of transactions in respect of 12 suspicious transactions given the complexity of the matter, SEBI in the normal course would take at least 15 months for completion of the investigation of these transactions, but is making all reasonable endeavours to conclude the same within six months.”
SEBI in respect of 12 suspicious transactions pertaining to misrepresentation of financials, circumvention of Regulations and fraudulent nature of transactions has said that it has noted prima facie that “these are complex” and “have many sub transactions” which thus require rigorous investigation.
It has said that investigations into possible violations of related party transactions disclosure, Corporate Governance related matters, Minimum Public Shareholding norms, FPI regulations, ODI norms, insider trading regulations, norms of short selling and share proof manipulation would require further time.
SEBI has also told SC that it may require to depose “key managerial persons” from the seven listed Adani companies before the investigation into the allegations made by Hindenburg can be concluded. It has also stated that prima facie findings have been shared with the expert committee.
“Investigation would also require obtaining bank statements from multiple domestic as well as international banks and as the bank statements would also be for the transactions undertaken more than 10 years ago, this would take time and be challenging. SEBI further submits that this process of seeking bank statements from the offshore banks would entail taking assistance from offshore regulators, which may be time-consuming and challenging,” the application stated.
NEW DELHI: “Let there be some alacrity,” Supreme Court said while it proposed to grant market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board) three months for completing the probe in the Adani-Hindenburg saga.
A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that the court would pass orders on SEBI’s application on Monday after perusing the report of the court-appointed expert committee headed by Justice AM Sapre.
“To now extend 6 months time may not be appropriate and we will extend the time for three months cause they have a point saying that SEBI was already investigating,” CJI said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
The CJI during the hearing also rapped a counsel who was levelling allegations against SEBI for regulatory failure.
“We have asked the committee to enquire if there is any regulatory failure. How can you say that? Don’t just stand up and levy allegations against the regulator. Whatever you argue here affects the volatility of the stock market,” the CJI said.
In an attempt to convince the bench to extend the time for six months, SG Tushar Mehta said, “We have narrated the facts and it requires us 6 months more. We have reached a particular stage and for reaching any conclusion we need 6 months more. 6 months is the minimum time required.”
Objecting to the time sought, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said, “SEBI was investigating some of these transactions as far back in 2016 which is more than 6 years ago. SEBI is a partner of an International Corporate organisation on IOSCO (The International Organization of Securities Commissions) under the treaty of this organisation. SEBI is governing board and tax haven countries are members of this organisation. They can seek any information and secrecy will prevent any member country from giving the information sought.
Laying emphasis on the “complexity involved in the matter,” SEBI in the application had said, “Keeping in view the forgoing circumstances, it would take further time to arrive at verified findings and conclude the investigation referred to herein above. SEBI also respectfully submits that for ascertaining possible violations related to misrepresentation of financials, circumvention of Regulations and/or fraudulent nature of transactions in respect of 12 suspicious transactions given the complexity of the matter, SEBI in the normal course would take at least 15 months for completion of the investigation of these transactions, but is making all reasonable endeavours to conclude the same within six months.”
SEBI in respect of 12 suspicious transactions pertaining to misrepresentation of financials, circumvention of Regulations and fraudulent nature of transactions has said that it has noted prima facie that “these are complex” and “have many sub transactions” which thus require rigorous investigation.
It has said that investigations into possible violations of related party transactions disclosure, Corporate Governance related matters, Minimum Public Shareholding norms, FPI regulations, ODI norms, insider trading regulations, norms of short selling and share proof manipulation would require further time.
SEBI has also told SC that it may require to depose “key managerial persons” from the seven listed Adani companies before the investigation into the allegations made by Hindenburg can be concluded. It has also stated that prima facie findings have been shared with the expert committee.
“Investigation would also require obtaining bank statements from multiple domestic as well as international banks and as the bank statements would also be for the transactions undertaken more than 10 years ago, this would take time and be challenging. SEBI further submits that this process of seeking bank statements from the offshore banks would entail taking assistance from offshore regulators, which may be time-consuming and challenging,” the application stated.
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Congress repeats demand for JPC to probe Adani issue after reports of Vinod Adani’s resignation
By PTI
NEW DELHI: A Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Adani issue is essential to present the “unvarnished truth” to the people, the Congress said on Wednesday after billionaire Gautam Adani’s elder brother reportedly resigned as director of three companies.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that while the Congress awaits the report of the Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee on the “Adani mega scam”, it notes that its mandate is limited to violations of securities regulations and lacks formal judicial authority over various regulatory and investigative agencies.
News reports suggest that Gautam Adani’s elder brother Vinod has resigned as director of three companies closely connected to the Adani Group’s Australia port and mining projects, Ramesh said in a statement.
“Vinod Adani has previously been alleged to have engaged in ‘brazen stock manipulation’ and ‘accounting fraud’ via ‘a vast labyrinth of offshore shell entities’,” he alleged.
“Likewise in Australia, Abbot Point Port Holdings — controlled by him via shell companies in the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands — helped offload billions of dollars of Adani Group debt via related party transactions aimed at disguising the true extent of the Adani Group’s losses from investors,” the Congress leader alleged.
ALSO READ | Only way forward is JPC probe: Congress after man at centre of Adani-China row says he’s Taiwanese
Two UAE-based shell companies controlled by him also lent USD 3.3 billion in opaque funds to the Carmichael project in Australia, as similar offshore entities controlled by him have done with other Adani Group firms, he said.
The Opposition led by the Congress has been seeking a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe after the US-based Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations against the Adani Group, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation.
The Gautam Adani-led group has dismissed the charges as lies, and said they comply with all laws and disclosure requirements.
“As we pointed out in our February 16, 2023 Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun (HAHK) questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vinod Adani-related entities in the UAE were also found by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to be involved in the power equipment under-invoicing scam under which Rs 5,500 crore was allegedly syphoned out of India,” Ramesh alleged.
“While we await the report of the Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee into the Adani Mega Scam, we note that its mandate is limited to violations of securities regulations and that it lacks formal judicial authority over various regulatory and investigative agencies,” he said.
It will not, for instance, look into whether Prime Minister Modi allegedly “forced” the State Bank of India (SBI) to sign an MoU to lend the Adani Group USD billion over a lunch meeting with Gautam Adani and SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, Ramesh said.
The committee will also not investigate the true source of the Rs 20,000 crore of unaccounted investment in the Adani Group, he said.
“We, therefore, reiterate the opposition demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to examine all the relevant aspects of the Adani Mega Scam and to present the unvarnished truth to the people of India,” Ramesh said.
Posting his statement on twitter, Ramesh urged the prime minister to break his “silence” on the issue.
The Congress has also posed a set of 100 questions to Prime Minister Modi on the Adani issue.
NEW DELHI: A Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Adani issue is essential to present the “unvarnished truth” to the people, the Congress said on Wednesday after billionaire Gautam Adani’s elder brother reportedly resigned as director of three companies.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that while the Congress awaits the report of the Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee on the “Adani mega scam”, it notes that its mandate is limited to violations of securities regulations and lacks formal judicial authority over various regulatory and investigative agencies.
News reports suggest that Gautam Adani’s elder brother Vinod has resigned as director of three companies closely connected to the Adani Group’s Australia port and mining projects, Ramesh said in a statement.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
“Vinod Adani has previously been alleged to have engaged in ‘brazen stock manipulation’ and ‘accounting fraud’ via ‘a vast labyrinth of offshore shell entities’,” he alleged.
“Likewise in Australia, Abbot Point Port Holdings — controlled by him via shell companies in the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands — helped offload billions of dollars of Adani Group debt via related party transactions aimed at disguising the true extent of the Adani Group’s losses from investors,” the Congress leader alleged.
ALSO READ | Only way forward is JPC probe: Congress after man at centre of Adani-China row says he’s Taiwanese
Two UAE-based shell companies controlled by him also lent USD 3.3 billion in opaque funds to the Carmichael project in Australia, as similar offshore entities controlled by him have done with other Adani Group firms, he said.
The Opposition led by the Congress has been seeking a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe after the US-based Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations against the Adani Group, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation.
The Gautam Adani-led group has dismissed the charges as lies, and said they comply with all laws and disclosure requirements.
“As we pointed out in our February 16, 2023 Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun (HAHK) questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vinod Adani-related entities in the UAE were also found by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to be involved in the power equipment under-invoicing scam under which Rs 5,500 crore was allegedly syphoned out of India,” Ramesh alleged.
“While we await the report of the Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee into the Adani Mega Scam, we note that its mandate is limited to violations of securities regulations and that it lacks formal judicial authority over various regulatory and investigative agencies,” he said.
It will not, for instance, look into whether Prime Minister Modi allegedly “forced” the State Bank of India (SBI) to sign an MoU to lend the Adani Group USD billion over a lunch meeting with Gautam Adani and SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, Ramesh said.
The committee will also not investigate the true source of the Rs 20,000 crore of unaccounted investment in the Adani Group, he said.
“We, therefore, reiterate the opposition demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to examine all the relevant aspects of the Adani Mega Scam and to present the unvarnished truth to the people of India,” Ramesh said.
Posting his statement on twitter, Ramesh urged the prime minister to break his “silence” on the issue.
The Congress has also posed a set of 100 questions to Prime Minister Modi on the Adani issue.
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I’ve been disqualified because PM was scared of my next speech on Adani: Rahul Gandhi
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: A day after being disqualified from Parliament, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that he will continue to raise questions on the relationship between the Modi government and business tycoon Adani. Addressing the media at AICC headquarters for the first time after being stripped of MP status, Gandhi said that his conviction and subsequent disqualification is a distraction strategy by the government from critical issues.
“I have been disqualified as the Prime Minister is scared of my next speech. I have seen fear in his eyes. He is terrified of the next speech and they don’t want that to come in Parliament. That’s why.. this distraction ..the disqualification,” said the Congress leader.
Gandhi said that the trouble started after he raised specific questions on the relationship between PM Modi and the Adani group, which was accused of stock manipulation by New York-based Hindenburg.
“Rs 20,000 crore came into the shell companies owned by Adani. Adani could not have generated this money. He is in the infrastructure business. Where did this money come from and whose money is it? There is a Chinese national involved in this. Why is not anyone questioning that?” he said.
The Gandhi scion asserted that no threats or prison sentence can dissuade him from pursuing his ‘tapasya’. “This is the drama orchestrated to defend the PM from the question of whose Rs 20,000 crores went to Adani’s shell company. I am here defending the democratic voice of the Indian people and will continue to do that. I am not scared of threats, disqualifications or prison sentences. These people don’t understand me yet,” he said.
ALSO READ| Rahul disqualification: Congress will fight tooth and nail, says TPCC leader Sudharshan
Despite providing evidence on PM Modi’s relationship with Adani, no actions were taken, he alleged.
“What is the PM’s relationship with Adani? I showed pictures of PM and Adani relaxing in aircraft in Parliament. I put the proof on the table in the defence industry, and airport with press clippings and legal documents. My speech was expunged.” he said.
The Congress leader said that he was denied the right to speak in Parliament despite writing two letters to Lok Sabha Speaker and meeting him in his chamber. “A Union Minister said in the House that I have asked foreign forces to help India. It was the most ridiculous statement, which I didn’t make. .I wrote two letters to the Speaker,” he said.
“I went to his chamber and said ..We are living in a democracy.. You are the defender of democracy and why aren’t you letting me make a statement, Speaker smiled and said I cannot do that,” he added.
However the former Congress President evaded questions on whether he will legally challenge the conviction and sentence by the Surat court.” These are legal matters. I don’t want to speak on it. It makes no difference to me if I am disqualified for life or they put me in jail,” he said,
ALSO READ| Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification goes against basic tenets of Constitution, says Sharad Pawar
Regarding his future course of action, he said, “I have only one step.. To fight for the truth in the country and to defend the democratic nature of the country..” …
A Surat court on Thursday sentenced the Wayanad MP to two years in prison over a 2019 criminal defamation case filed against him over his ‘Modi surname’ remarks during an election speech in Kolar in Karnataka. The trial court has, however, suspended Gandhi’s sentence for 30 days.
When cited Lakshadweep MP PP Mohammed Faisal case where he is yet to get his membership back, even though Kerala HC stayed the conviction and 10-year sentence on January 25, Gandhi said, “Even if they disqualify me permanently or reinstate me, I will do my work. It doesn’t matter if I am inside or outside the Parliament. I have to do my tapasya,” he said.
Gandhi also said that there is no question of his apologizing for his remarks. “My name is not Savarkar. My name is Gandhi. I won’t apologise,”.
When asked if he is worried about the political consequences of his conviction and subsequent disqualification, “Do I look worried to you?,” he quipped. “I am excited. I am happy that these people gave me the best gift they could give me.
When it was pointed out that the 2013 ordinance which he “tore’ could have spared him from conviction, Gandhi said, “When somebody is guilty of something, they want to distract everybody’s attention. That’s what BJP is doing.. We have caught Rs 20, 000 crores entering Adani s companies. All these, OBC, disqualification, anti-national comments are to distract from the panic the PM is feeling,” he said referring to BJP’s allegation that Rahul Gandhi has insulted the OBC community with his remarks.
The Congress leader also thanked Opposition leaders for extending support to him and said that all parties will work together. “Opposition will benefit from this panic reaction by the government . This is a blessing for us. The public now wants to know why India’s PM is protecting a corrupt person,” he said..
NEW DELHI: A day after being disqualified from Parliament, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that he will continue to raise questions on the relationship between the Modi government and business tycoon Adani. Addressing the media at AICC headquarters for the first time after being stripped of MP status, Gandhi said that his conviction and subsequent disqualification is a distraction strategy by the government from critical issues.
“I have been disqualified as the Prime Minister is scared of my next speech. I have seen fear in his eyes. He is terrified of the next speech and they don’t want that to come in Parliament. That’s why.. this distraction ..the disqualification,” said the Congress leader.
Gandhi said that the trouble started after he raised specific questions on the relationship between PM Modi and the Adani group, which was accused of stock manipulation by New York-based Hindenburg.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
“Rs 20,000 crore came into the shell companies owned by Adani. Adani could not have generated this money. He is in the infrastructure business. Where did this money come from and whose money is it? There is a Chinese national involved in this. Why is not anyone questioning that?” he said.
The Gandhi scion asserted that no threats or prison sentence can dissuade him from pursuing his ‘tapasya’. “This is the drama orchestrated to defend the PM from the question of whose Rs 20,000 crores went to Adani’s shell company. I am here defending the democratic voice of the Indian people and will continue to do that. I am not scared of threats, disqualifications or prison sentences. These people don’t understand me yet,” he said.
ALSO READ| Rahul disqualification: Congress will fight tooth and nail, says TPCC leader Sudharshan
Despite providing evidence on PM Modi’s relationship with Adani, no actions were taken, he alleged.
“What is the PM’s relationship with Adani? I showed pictures of PM and Adani relaxing in aircraft in Parliament. I put the proof on the table in the defence industry, and airport with press clippings and legal documents. My speech was expunged.” he said.
The Congress leader said that he was denied the right to speak in Parliament despite writing two letters to Lok Sabha Speaker and meeting him in his chamber. “A Union Minister said in the House that I have asked foreign forces to help India. It was the most ridiculous statement, which I didn’t make. .I wrote two letters to the Speaker,” he said.
“I went to his chamber and said ..We are living in a democracy.. You are the defender of democracy and why aren’t you letting me make a statement, Speaker smiled and said I cannot do that,” he added.
However the former Congress President evaded questions on whether he will legally challenge the conviction and sentence by the Surat court.” These are legal matters. I don’t want to speak on it. It makes no difference to me if I am disqualified for life or they put me in jail,” he said,
ALSO READ| Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification goes against basic tenets of Constitution, says Sharad Pawar
Regarding his future course of action, he said, “I have only one step.. To fight for the truth in the country and to defend the democratic nature of the country..” …
A Surat court on Thursday sentenced the Wayanad MP to two years in prison over a 2019 criminal defamation case filed against him over his ‘Modi surname’ remarks during an election speech in Kolar in Karnataka. The trial court has, however, suspended Gandhi’s sentence for 30 days.
When cited Lakshadweep MP PP Mohammed Faisal case where he is yet to get his membership back, even though Kerala HC stayed the conviction and 10-year sentence on January 25, Gandhi said, “Even if they disqualify me permanently or reinstate me, I will do my work. It doesn’t matter if I am inside or outside the Parliament. I have to do my tapasya,” he said.
Gandhi also said that there is no question of his apologizing for his remarks. “My name is not Savarkar. My name is Gandhi. I won’t apologise,”.
When asked if he is worried about the political consequences of his conviction and subsequent disqualification, “Do I look worried to you?,” he quipped. “I am excited. I am happy that these people gave me the best gift they could give me.
When it was pointed out that the 2013 ordinance which he “tore’ could have spared him from conviction, Gandhi said, “When somebody is guilty of something, they want to distract everybody’s attention. That’s what BJP is doing.. We have caught Rs 20, 000 crores entering Adani s companies. All these, OBC, disqualification, anti-national comments are to distract from the panic the PM is feeling,” he said referring to BJP’s allegation that Rahul Gandhi has insulted the OBC community with his remarks.
The Congress leader also thanked Opposition leaders for extending support to him and said that all parties will work together. “Opposition will benefit from this panic reaction by the government . This is a blessing for us. The public now wants to know why India’s PM is protecting a corrupt person,” he said..
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Rahul Gandhi questions surge in Adani’s fortunes under Modi govt
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday linked the massive rise in the business fortunes and personal wealth of businessman Gautam Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014, as he launched a sharp attack on the BJP dispensation over the Adani issue.
His charges in Lok Sabha drew a sharp response from the treasury benches, with Law Minister Kiren Rijiju asking him to not level “wild allegations” and furnish proof of his claims.
Speaker Om Birla also asked him to focus on the President’s address and disapproved of the Congress leader displaying a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adani in the business tycoon’s plane to highlight their alleged proximity.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Lok Sabha as the first opposition speaker, Gandhi also questioned the Agniveer scheme for recruiting defence personnel claiming that youths aspiring to be in the army were not on the same page as the government on the scheme.
OPINION | Defending Adani, critiquing Hindenburg
Senior officers have said the scheme will weaken the army, he claimed.
Gandhi said he learnt a lot during his recently concluded Bharat Jodo Yatra and got the opportunity to listen to the inner voice of India.
He said the highlights of what people told him during the Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir march were the issues of unemployment, price rise and farmers’ problems.
Adani’s name was also frequently heard from people across states as they wondered how he is successful in every business he enters, Gandhi claimed.
ALSO READ | Most Adani group companies rise; Adani Enterprises jumps 14 per cent
The Adani Group is in the eye of a storm following the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by a US-based short-selling firm.
The company’s stocks have been hammered even though the group has rejected the charges.
ALSO READ | Adani vs Hindenburg: The story of Asia’s richest man and why is his company tanking
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday linked the massive rise in the business fortunes and personal wealth of businessman Gautam Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014, as he launched a sharp attack on the BJP dispensation over the Adani issue.
His charges in Lok Sabha drew a sharp response from the treasury benches, with Law Minister Kiren Rijiju asking him to not level “wild allegations” and furnish proof of his claims.
Speaker Om Birla also asked him to focus on the President’s address and disapproved of the Congress leader displaying a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adani in the business tycoon’s plane to highlight their alleged proximity.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Lok Sabha as the first opposition speaker, Gandhi also questioned the Agniveer scheme for recruiting defence personnel claiming that youths aspiring to be in the army were not on the same page as the government on the scheme.
OPINION | Defending Adani, critiquing Hindenburg
Senior officers have said the scheme will weaken the army, he claimed.
Gandhi said he learnt a lot during his recently concluded Bharat Jodo Yatra and got the opportunity to listen to the inner voice of India.
He said the highlights of what people told him during the Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir march were the issues of unemployment, price rise and farmers’ problems.
Adani’s name was also frequently heard from people across states as they wondered how he is successful in every business he enters, Gandhi claimed.
ALSO READ | Most Adani group companies rise; Adani Enterprises jumps 14 per cent
The Adani Group is in the eye of a storm following the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by a US-based short-selling firm.
The company’s stocks have been hammered even though the group has rejected the charges.
ALSO READ | Adani vs Hindenburg: The story of Asia’s richest man and why is his company tanking
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PM Modi will do his best to avert discussion on Adani issue in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will do his best to avert a discussion on the Adani issue in Parliament, asserting that the country should know what power is behind the billionaire businessman.
“Modi ji will do his best to avert a discussion on Adani ji in Parliament. There is a reason for it and you know that. I want there should be a discussion on Adani issue and for the truth should come out. The lakhs and crores of corruption that has taken place should come out. The country should know what is the power behind Adani,” Gandhi told reporters here.
“For a number of years, I have been talking about the government and ‘Hum do, Humare do’. The government does not want and is scared of a discussion in Parliament on Adani ji. The government should allow a discussion in Parliament and there will be attempts to avoid it,” he also said.
The Congress has stepped up the offensive against the government over the Adani-Hindenburg issue and is seeking a discussion in Parliament.
The party has also demanded an impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court or a joint parliamentary committee to probe the charges raised in the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group.
ALSO READ | Adani’s FPO pullout has not impacted India’s image: FM Sitharaman
The Congress is alleging that the issue involves crores of rupees of common people invested in the Adani Group, whose shares have seen a beating on the stock markets ever since the allegations of “financial malpractices and stock manipulation” came out in the Hindenburd research report.
The Congress and other opposition parties have stalled proceedings in both houses of Parliament while seeking a discussion on the issue.
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will do his best to avert a discussion on the Adani issue in Parliament, asserting that the country should know what power is behind the billionaire businessman.
“Modi ji will do his best to avert a discussion on Adani ji in Parliament. There is a reason for it and you know that. I want there should be a discussion on Adani issue and for the truth should come out. The lakhs and crores of corruption that has taken place should come out. The country should know what is the power behind Adani,” Gandhi told reporters here.
“For a number of years, I have been talking about the government and ‘Hum do, Humare do’. The government does not want and is scared of a discussion in Parliament on Adani ji. The government should allow a discussion in Parliament and there will be attempts to avoid it,” he also said.
The Congress has stepped up the offensive against the government over the Adani-Hindenburg issue and is seeking a discussion in Parliament.
The party has also demanded an impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court or a joint parliamentary committee to probe the charges raised in the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group.
ALSO READ | Adani’s FPO pullout has not impacted India’s image: FM Sitharaman
The Congress is alleging that the issue involves crores of rupees of common people invested in the Adani Group, whose shares have seen a beating on the stock markets ever since the allegations of “financial malpractices and stock manipulation” came out in the Hindenburd research report.
The Congress and other opposition parties have stalled proceedings in both houses of Parliament while seeking a discussion on the issue.
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India’s image at stake due to Adani issue: BSP chief Mayawati
By PTI
LUCKNOW: The Adani episode will have long-term impact on the country’s economy and it is “unfortunate” that the government is not taking people of the country into confidence on the issue, BSP supremo Mayawati said on Sunday.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also asserted that India’s image is at stake due to the issue.
“How can the Adani episode be forgotten on Ravidas Jayanti as it is a new cause of concern? Instead of finding solutions to such matters, the government is making new promises ignoring the people. The image of India is at stake due to Adani issue and everyone is concerned but government is taking this issue very lightly. This is something to think about,” Mayawati said in a statement issued here.
“Due to a businessman of the country who has established his ranking in the world, the economic world of India is desperate, disappointed and depressed. It is going to have a long term impact on the country’s economy and common life. Yet like in other cases, in this issue also the government is not taking the people of the country into confidence through the House.
It is sad,” she said while slamming the government for “playing” with the trust of the people.
Adani group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based activist short-seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation at the Gautam Adani-led group.
The Adani group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
The 10 listed Adani group firms have faced a combined erosion of over Rs 8.5 lakh crore in just six trading sessions.
Adani Enterprises also had to withdraw a Rs 20,000 crore share sale.
LUCKNOW: The Adani episode will have long-term impact on the country’s economy and it is “unfortunate” that the government is not taking people of the country into confidence on the issue, BSP supremo Mayawati said on Sunday.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also asserted that India’s image is at stake due to the issue.
“How can the Adani episode be forgotten on Ravidas Jayanti as it is a new cause of concern? Instead of finding solutions to such matters, the government is making new promises ignoring the people. The image of India is at stake due to Adani issue and everyone is concerned but government is taking this issue very lightly. This is something to think about,” Mayawati said in a statement issued here.
“Due to a businessman of the country who has established his ranking in the world, the economic world of India is desperate, disappointed and depressed. It is going to have a long term impact on the country’s economy and common life. Yet like in other cases, in this issue also the government is not taking the people of the country into confidence through the House.
It is sad,” she said while slamming the government for “playing” with the trust of the people.
Adani group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based activist short-seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation at the Gautam Adani-led group.
The Adani group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
The 10 listed Adani group firms have faced a combined erosion of over Rs 8.5 lakh crore in just six trading sessions.
Adani Enterprises also had to withdraw a Rs 20,000 crore share sale.