India's Parliament faced a third consecutive day of turmoil Thursday while opposition parties demanded action over allegations against billionaire Gautam Adani.
The scandal stems from Adani's recent indictment in the United States for alleged securities fraud and bribery.
Opposition members, led by the Congress party, disrupted proceedings in the lower house, shouting slogans and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of shielding Adani, a coal magnate with close ties to Modi. "I don't appreciate the manner of protest," said Speaker Om Birla, who adjourned the session twice before ending it for the day. The upper house also saw disruptions, with Congress insisting on an independent investigation.
Calls for a Joint Parliamentary Probe
Opposition leaders demanded a joint parliamentary committee to probe Adani's companies, which span sectors including renewable energy, coal, agriculture, and infrastructure. Adani, 62, one of Asia's richest individuals, has come under scrutiny after U.S. prosecutors accused him of a $265 million bribery scheme to facilitate a solar project in India.
The charges, filed in New York, include securities fraud, conspiracy, and wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Adani and his associates deceived investors by concealing the bribery scheme.
In a statement, the Adani Group dismissed the allegations as baseless. "The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All possible legal recourse will be sought," it said.
Government Silence Sparks Criticism
The Modi government's lack of a formal statement has fueled opposition anger. Amit Malviya, head of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's IT wing, defended Adani on social media platform X, reiterating that the charges are allegations and Adani is presumed innocent. Critics saw this as implicit support for the business owner.
The controversy has strained Adani's overseas business dealings. Kenya's president recently canceled multimillion-dollar agreements with the Adani Group for airport modernization and energy projects.
Scrutiny Expands to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Adani's ventures in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also under review.
A Sri Lankan government spokesperson confirmed that projects worth over $440 million, including wind power development and a Colombo port terminal, are being reassessed. "The foreign ministry and the finance ministry are inquiring into it. We will take the decision according to the reports of both ministries," said spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa.
In Bangladesh, the interim government is reevaluating a deal under which Adani supplies electricity from an Indian power project. The scandal threatens to affect the billionaire's business empire across the region, while calls for accountability grow louder.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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