Adani Group ‘bribe’ row sparks political slugfest in Odisha

A bribery allegation against Adani Group regarding a solar energy supply contract triggered a political debate in Odisha, on Friday. The Adani Group has been accused of engaging in corrupt practices across five states, including Odisha.

This prompted the Congress party to demand a CBI probe. Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja stated that the BJD government was in power in 2021 when the alleged activities occurred. There should be a probe into whether any ministers or officials were involved, he demanded.

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“An unfair deal was conducted for solar energy contracts in five states of the country -- Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir -- in 2021. In which, the officers concerned in Odisha were offered bribes. Unfortunately, the BJD was in power in the State at that time,” the senior Congress leader alleged.

The BJD, on the other hand, expressed readiness to face any probe. BJD leader Pradeep Majhi remarked that everyone is aware of the close connections between BJP and Adani.

BJD leader Majhi told media persons in Odia quoting an adage, “Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adani are Gotie Sutara Khia (meaning ‘pieces of the same thread’). If any such thing has taken place in Odisha, it will become clear after a probe. BJD always believes ‘the law will take its course’.”

“Our party is prepared to face any probe in the future,” the BJD leader added.

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BJP camp, through Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, responded by saying that if such incidents occurred, the responsible authorities would certainly probe the matter.

“It would be inappropriate to give any comment based on the news published in different newspapers. If any such thing has happened, the authorities concerned will conduct a proper investigation,” the Law Minister stated.

Worth mentioning, the Adani Group has previously denied all allegations of bribery.