Congress Stalwart P Chidambaram Dodges Queries on Adani Group’s Investment in Congress-Ruled Telangana
In a press conference addressing the Congress party’s Lok Sabha polls manifesto, senior leader P Chidambaram faced discomfort when questioned about the Adani Group’s proposed investment in Congress-ruled Telangana. Swiftly deflecting the query, Chidambaram handed the microphone to party colleague Supriya Shrinate, who, in turn, declined to comment on the matter. The incident, captured on video, has since gone viral, raising eyebrows and drawing attention to the Congress party’s stance on the Adani Group, a frequent target of criticism by party leader Rahul Gandhi.
During a press conference focused on the Congress party’s manifesto, P Chidambaram found himself on the defensive when confronted with questions about the Adani Group’s proposed investment in Telangana. Visibly uncomfortable, Chidambaram promptly passed the mic to Supriya Shrinate, a move that has sparked speculation and heightened scrutiny. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Congress party’s relationship with industrialists, particularly in light of Rahul Gandhi’s consistent accusations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his alleged ties with Gautam Adani.
As the video of Chidambaram’s evasion circulated online, the Adani Group signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Telangana government for an investment exceeding ₹12,400 crore. The deals include a ₹5000 crore investment for a data center, ₹5000 crore for two pulp storage projects, and ₹1400 crore for a cement plant. The opposition, including BJP leader Khushboo Sundar, seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress, questioning their stance on crony capitalism and drawing parallels between the Adani-DMK deal and the accusations faced by the ruling party.
The Congress party’s attempt to stay focused on the manifesto launch was marred by the Adani controversy, exposing internal discomfort and providing ammunition to political rivals. The Adani-DMK deal in Telangana further fueled the ongoing debate on crony capitalism, with BJP’s Khushboo Sundar accusing the opposition of hypocrisy. As the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the incident underscores the challenges faced by the Congress party in navigating the delicate balance between promoting economic growth and addressing concerns about corporate influence in politics.
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