BJP accuses Congress of conspiring to tarnish Modi’s image over Adani allegations
Saturday, 23 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the Congress for its allegations against the Adani Group, describing them as a deliberate attempt to damage Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reputation and hinder India’s economic growth. BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt accused the Congress leadership of running an anti-national campaign to malign the PM and raised questions about the involvement of Congress-led or allied State governments in the alleged bribery scandal. Bhatt said that the company implicated in the court in the United States of America will defend itself through the legal process. However, he demanded answers from the Congress regarding the report’s references to four Indian States, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha, where bribes were allegedly paid during 2021-22. Bhatt pointed out that these States were governed by Congress or its allies at the time and questioned why the party was not holding its own leadership accountable. Bhatt further highlighted the significant investments made by the Adani Group in States governed by Congress or its allies. He said that Adani invested Rs 25,000 crore in Chhattisgarh under chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rs 65,000 crore in Rajasthan during Ashok Gehlot’s tenure. He also pointed out investments of Rs 45,000 crore in Tamil Nadu under DMK leadership and a donation of Rs 100 crore to Telangana’s skill development foundation under K Chandrashekhar Rao as the chief minister. Bhatt questioned Congress’ hypocrisy, asking why the party allowed these investments if it considered the Adani Group corrupt. He accused Congress and the Gandhi family of attempting to tarnish Modi’s image since his tenure as Gujarat’s chief minister. Bhatt said that the latest allegations against Modi are part of a long-standing conspiracy to undermine his leadership. He asserted that Congress’ frustration stems from India’s growing economic strength under Modi’s leadership and the country’s progress towards becoming the third-largest global economy. Bhatt also blamed Congress’ actions for recent disruptions in the stock market, claiming that Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations had led to panic and significant losses for small investors. He criticised Congress leaders for their lack of understanding of legal and technical matters, citing past controversies such as the Rafale deal and Covid-19 vaccine procurement. He urged the Congress to introspect and address its internal failures instead of making unfounded accusations against the PM and the BJP government.
