Key Highlights:
On November 27, 2024, both houses of India’s Parliament were adjourned following intense protests by opposition members. The disruptions centered around demands for discussions on the recent bribery allegations against the Adani Group and the violent incidents in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. These events have intensified political tensions, with opposition parties seeking accountability and transparency from the ruling government.
Opposition’s Demand for Discussion on Adani Bribery Allegations
The main argument is based on the indictment of Gautam Adani, along with his nephew Sagar Adani and executive Vneet S. Jaain, by U.S. authorities, for allegedly running a plot to pay $265 million in bribes to win power supply contracts in India, which might have cheated U.S. investors too. Adani Group said the allegations are “completely baseless” and committed to taking all legal remedies possible.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have responded by accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of protecting Adani and hindering investigations. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been one of the most vocal critics, calling for Adani’s arrest and attacking the government for allegedly shielding the industrialist.
Parliamentary Proceedings Disrupted
Opposition members, including those from the Congress and Samajwadi Party, staged protests and tried to raise various issues during the commencement of the winter session of Parliament. Some members entered the Well of the Lok Sabha, while others stood in the aisles, shouting slogans. Speaker Om Birla urged them to let the Question Hour proceed and told them that their issues would be taken up later. Despite this, the protests continued and were first adjourned till noon and then for the entire day.
In the Rajya Sabha, too, disruptions were seen as opposition members continued to demand discussion on the Adani allegations and other issues of pressing concern. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected 18 notices under Rule 267, which were aimed at suspending scheduled business to add. The protests continued unabated, and the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day.
Sambhal Violence Adds to Parliamentary Turmoil
Adding fuel to the fire in the Parliament was the violence witnessed recently in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. In clashes between protesters and security forces near a mosque, five people died, and several policemen were sluding. The violence flared over a resumed survey, for which opposition members demanded a discussion both on the issue and rising crime rates.
Government’s Response
The ruling BJP has distanced itself from the Adani controversy. Party spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal stated that the BJP has no reason to defend Gautam Adani, emphasizing that industrialists are considered partners in norts. He added that the law would take its own course in cases of wrongdoing.
On the Sambhal violence, the government has not made a statement. However, the incident has heightened the demands from the opposition to ensure accountability and immediate action against the rising violence.
Wider Consequences and International Response
The allegations against the Adani Group have had severe international implications. French oil major TotalEnergies announced suspension of new investments in joint energy projects with the Adani Group after the bribery indictment. TotalEnergies’ financial exposure to the Adani Group is substantial, estimated between $4 billion and $5 billion. The company stated it would not continue any financial contributions until the allegations are clarified.
In addition, Kenya’s President William Ruto nullified two major deals signed with the Adani Group: a lease agreement at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and a deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company. This was just weeks after the indictment, which made it seem like the world had finally heard of the allegations.
Conclusion
The adjournment of both houses of Parliament amidst opposition protests is a testament to the rising political tensions in India. The demands for discussion over the Adani bribery allegations and Sambhal violence reflect larger issues of governance, accountability, and transparency. As things evolve, the government’s response and outcomes from these discussions will be watched closely both at home and abroad.
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