Tag: Adani

Congress poses series of questions to govt on Adani issue

[ad_1]
New Delhi: The Congress asked the government on Saturday if it is prudent from a national security perspective for a firm facing serious accusations of money laundering to be allowed to dominate a strategic sector like ports.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in his series of “Hum Adanike Hain Kaun” questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said these queries relate to industrialist Gautam Adani’s rapidly expanding monopoly in the ports sector.
“Even though it is a Saturday here is HAHK (Hum Adanike Hain Kaun)-7. ‘Chuppi Todiye Pradhan Mantriji’,” Ramesh wrote on Twitter.
He said the Adani Group controls 13 ports and terminals that represent 30 percent of India’s ports capacity and 40 percent of the total container volume. “It is no surprise that this growth trajectory has accelerated since 2014,” the former Union minister added.
He said in addition to the Mundra port in Gujarat, recent acquisitions of the business group include the Dhamra port in Odisha (2015), the Kattupalli port in Tamil Nadu (2018), the Krishnapatnam (2020) and Gangavaram (2021) ports in Andhra Pradesh and the Dighi port in Maharashtra (2021).
“There is a clear strategy at work: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha account for 93 percent of the overseas cargo traffic from India’s ‘non-major ports’. Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram are the largest private ports in the south. The Adani Group has declared its goal as expanding its market share to 40 percent by 2025 and is attempting to acquire even more ports.
“Do you intend to oversee the takeover of every significant private port by your favourite business group or is there any space for other private firms that wish to invest?
“Is it prudent from a national security perspective for a firm that faces serious accusations of money laundering and round-tripping by offshore shell companies to be permitted to dominate a strategic sector like ports,” the Congress leader asked.

He alleged that as with airports, the BJP-led government has facilitated an Adani monopoly in the ports sector too, using all the means at its disposal.
Alleging that ports that enjoy government concessions have been sold to the Adani Group without any bidding, and where bidding was allowed, the competitors “miraculously vanished” from the process, Ramesh said, “Income Tax raids appear to have helped ‘convince’ the previous owner of the Krishnapatnam port to sell it to the Adani Group.
“Is it true that In 2021, the public sector Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust was bidding for the Dighi port in Maharashtra in competition with Adani but was forced to withdraw its winning bid after the ministries of shipping and finance changed their mind about supporting its bid?” he asked.
The Congress leader said generally, port concessions are negotiated with the special purpose vehicle for each port to segregate risks and protect assets, yet many of these ports are now part of a single listed entity — Adani Ports and SEZ.
“Has this transfer of assets been done in violation of the Model Concession Agreement for ports? Have the concession agreements been changed to accommodate Adani’s commercial interests?” he asked.
The Congress has been posing questions to the government on the Adani issue ever since a report of US-based short-selling firm Hindenburg Research levelled allegations of financial irregularities against the business group, leading to a meltdown of its stocks on exchanges.
The opposition party has also been demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe into the issue.
[ad_2]
#Congress #poses #series #questions #govt #Adani #issue
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 11, 2023
Will keep raising Adani issue inside and outside Parliament, it’s a big scam: Kharge

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said his party will keep raising the Adani issue inside and outside Parliament and added that if the government does not work democratically, “people will get rid of it”.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters here, Kharge posed a set of 10 questions to the government on various issues, including a controversy involving the business group headed by industrialist Gautam Adani and the expunging of certain remarks made by party leader Rahul Gandhi and him in Parliament.
Alleging that the Adani “scam” is a huge one involving public money, he wondered why is the government reluctant to order a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into it.
Kharge said he had not said anything unparliamentary in his speech in the Rajya Sabha and only asked certain questions on the Adani issue.
“Why is the Modi government not conducting a joint parliamentary committee probe into the allegations against the Adani Group? What is the reason behind (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji and his government not even allowing (anyone) to raise the word Adani in Parliament?” he asked.
“Why are the RBI, the SEBI, the ED, the SFIO, the corporate affairs ministry, the IT (department) and the CBI paralysed? So many scams have happened and why are they still silent? They only see other people but not him (Adani),” the Congress president alleged.
“Modiji is now using our Parliament like a washing machine to wash the scams of his friend,” Kharge later alleged in a tweet in Hindi.
He said it is the opposition’s job to ask questions of the government.

The people of the country have elected parliamentarians and it is their responsibility to protect people’s money and rights and ask the government questions on the impact of scams on common people, he added.
“But they did not agree to the (formation of a) JPC nor allowed us to raise the issue in Parliament and that is why our people are agitated.
“We will keep asking questions of the government in parliamentary democracy. But the government does not want to allow Parliament to function democratically and is talking of autocracy. If the government is not ready to work democratically and talks of autocracy and dictatorship, people will get rid of it,” the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha said.
“Shouldn’t the falling value of the LIC’s money, invested in Adani’s companies, be questioned? Shouldn’t questions be asked about the Rs 82,000-crore loan given to Adani by the SBI (State bank of India) and other banks? Shouldn’t questions be asked as to why Rs 525 crore of the LIC and the SBI were invested in Adani’s FPO, despite a more-than-32-per cent fall in Adani’s shares? Shouldn’t questions be asked as to why the value of the LIC’s and SBI’s shares fell by more than Rs 1 lakh crore in the stock market?” Kharge asked.
“Is it a fact that France’s Total Gas has stopped its USD 50 billion investment in Adani’s company, pending the completion of an investigation against Adani? Has the world’s largest equity investor, Norway Sovereign Fund, sold all Adani shares worth USD 200 million?
“Has the MSCI downgraded the ranking of Adani’s companies? Have Standard Chartered, City Group, Credit Suisse stopped lending against Adani’s dollar bonds? Has Dow Jones removed Adani’s companies from the ‘Sustainability Indices’?” he asked.
“What is the reason that Modiji and his entire government do not allow even the utterance of the word Adani in Parliament?” Kharge asked, adding that the country demands answers to these questions.
The Congress chief said he has written to the Rajya Sabha chairman over the expunging of his remarks. By merely expunging his remarks, the allegations made by people and the media will not be cleared, he added.
On his remarks in the Rajya Sabha and that of Gandhi in the Lok Sabha being expunged, Kharge said, “You can well imagine what is going on in the name of democracy.”
He said he was the floor leader in the Lok Sabha for five years and the leader and the deputy leader in the Karnataka Assembly, but had never seen verses or words like “washing machine” being expunged.
“The entire opposition is together on the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Adani issue. There is unity on this and everyone wants to save the country and protect poor people’s wealth,” he said.
Asked about the Rajya Sabha chairman’s role, Kharge said, “I don’t want to say anything, you have seen it for yourself…. If I say something, they will say I am raising questions on the chairman…. I have great respect for him. We want parliamentary democracy and that is why we are moving with sensitivity.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also alleged that “Parliament TV blacks out whatever Opposition demands and does”.
“Yesterday, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha chided the Leader of Opposition for not elevating level of the debate. He is of course silent at the way the Jagadguru of Jhoot debased it completely with cheap personal swipes at his opponents. Chanting ModiChalisa does not elevate debates,” the former Union minister wrote on Twitter.
Adani Group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based short-selling firm Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, against the business conglomerate.
The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
[ad_2]
#raising #Adani #issue #Parliament #big #scam #Kharge
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 10, 2023
FM rejects ‘green Budget for Adani’ charge; says allocation not biased

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday rejected Opposition charges of the Budget allocations for green and clean energy being made keeping the Adani Group in mind, saying it might be Congress culture to give benefits to ‘jijas’ and ‘bhatijas’ but not of the Modi government.
Sitharaman had in Budget 2023-24 provided Rs 35,000 crore for clean energy transition — a space where the Adani Group has announced massive projects ranging from renewable energy capacity to green hydrogen production. Such allocation has been tagged ‘green growth’ budget and the Opposition punned it to imply it was meant for Adani Group firms such as Adani Green Energy Ltd.
” … kyun ki mera naam le kar ek vipaksh ke neta bole, kya Nirmala Sitharaman ne green mei itna amount allot kiya, kya itna amount kisiko mann mei rakhte hue allot kiya? (Because one Opposition leader took my name and said, did Nirmala Sitharaman allocate so much amount to green sector keeping in mind a particular individual?)
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, any allocation is not made keeping anyone specific in mind, rather by keeping everyone in mind. The government keeps country in mind. Such kind of remarks is absolutely wrong…,” the minister said without naming any company or individual.
She was replying to the general discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha.
Proceedings of Parliament have been disrupted by Opposition parties demanding a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a Supreme Court monitored enquiry into allegations of financial fraud made by US-based Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group.
While participating in the debate, Congress’ Leader of the House Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sought an explanation from the Finance Minister on how can investors have confidence when the market capitalisation of one of the richest persons in the world eroded by 47 per cent following allegations of accounting fraud and stock price manipulation.
Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said there were times when phone calls were made to banks for giving loans to benefit certain people.

“…if phone calls were made, if relations were given benefit, if jijajis and bhatijas (brothers-in law and nephews) were given benefit, it might be their culture,” she said in an apparent dig at the Gandhi family.
“Under Prime Minister Modi, none of us do any of that. And therefore, any such allegation will be given back in the same language. I’m sorry…I can’t afford to have this kind of language,” Sitharaman said.
There were allegations that systems were bypassed to provide bank loans to people associated with the Congress party leadership during the UPA regime (2004-2014). The Congress party has rejected such allegations.
Sitharaman also said during earlier Congress regimes, there were massacres and cited examples of Nellie in Assam and the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. She also accused the then Congress party government for brutally suppressing Sadhus protesting cow slaughter in Delhi in 1966.
“Who will answer for these,” she said, adding the Modi government was not against any community and does not believe in vote bank politics.
[ad_2]
#rejects #green #Budget #Adani #charge #allocation #biased
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 10, 2023
Moody’s cuts rating outlook on 4 Adani companies

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Moody’s Investor Service on Friday revised downwards the rating outlook on four Adani Group companies to negative from stable after a significant and rapid decline in market value following a report by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research.
In a statement, Moody’s said the rating outlook for Adani Green Energy Ltd, Adani Green Energy Restricted Group, Adani Transmission Step-One Ltd and Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd has been changed to negative from stable.
“These rating actions follow the significant and rapid decline in the market equity values of the Adani Group companies following the recent release of a report from a short-seller highlighting governance concerns in the Group,” it said.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Moodys #cuts #rating #outlook #Adani #companies
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 10, 2023
Adani is BJP’s ‘Vitamin A’, govt shouldn’t discriminate between industrialists: Akhilesh

[ad_1]
Ballia: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday described billionaire tycoon Gautam Adani as “Vitamin A” of the BJP, saying the government should not discriminate between industrialists.
“Industry and industrialists should progress, but there should not be any discrimination with anyone. It cannot be the case that one industrialist grows and the other does not. The government should have the same vision for everyone,” Yadav said.
“There should be no discrimination between industrialists, but the BJP is only helping Adani,” the SP president told reporters in response to a query.
Terming Adani “Vitamin A of BJP”, Yadav said both “the excess and loss of Vitamin A has its disadvantages”.
“Having discriminatory attitudes results in banks sinking with the fall of one industry. The LIC will drown. Who will bring back the money of the bank and the LIC. There should be no discrimination between industrialists, but the BJP is only helping one industrialist,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged.
The Adani Group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based short seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, against the business conglomerate. The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
The opposition parties have alleged that the meltdown in Adani Group shares is a “mega scam” that involves common people’s money as public sector LIC and SBI have invested in them and have questioned the government on steps taken by it.
Referring to the Hindenburg report, Yadav said, “Under the BJP government, which claims that the economy is strong, a report comes and Industrialist Adani slides down to 20th position from second spot.”

To a question, he said the SP is a party which believes in God. “We believe in Lord Vishnu and all his incarnations. We follow religious scriptures and faith,” he said in an apparent reference to the ongoing row over his party leader Swami Prasad Maurya’s comment on portions of the Ramcharitmanas.
The SP chief alleged that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is putting forward both his deputies to shield him wherever he (CM) does not want to answer the questions.
“The battle of 2024 (Lok Sabha election) is the biggest battle. This is a fight to save democracy and the Constitution,” he added.
[ad_2]
#Adani #BJPs #Vitamin #govt #shouldnt #discriminate #industrialists #Akhilesh
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 9, 2023
Trinamool MP seeks ED probe into affairs of ‘certain’ company, avoids naming Adani

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Senior Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy sought to know in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as to why the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not investigating the affairs of a “certain” company which did round-tripping of its finances and bought assets in India.
However, Roy made the remarks without taking the name of Adani group.
The Trinamool MP also demanded that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should ask market regulator SEBI to inquire into the fallen shares of this “certain” company.
Roy raked up the issue while participating in the discussions on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha.
Sitharaman, though, was not present in the House when Roy raised the issue.
Without taking Adani group’s name, Roy said, “The Hindenburg report said that a certain company did round-tripping of its finances, and bought assets in India after round-tripping them from abroad. You know in the snowy areas, the ice comes down. The ice came down on this company’s shares as well. In three days, it lost to the tune of Rs 10 lakh crore.
“You people tell me which company is this. Its name cannot be taken. If we say Adani, they will demand expunging the name.”
“I have a simple demand from the Finance Minister. She has got the SEBI under her. If a company has done round-tripping, it is the job of SEBI to look into it,” he added.

“I demand that she (Sitharaman) should ask SEBI to inquire into the fallen shares of this certain company. Also, the ED, which is a matter of fear for the Opposition, is under the Finance Minister as well. It is investigating each and every politician from the Opposition. Why is the ED not investigating the affairs of this company,” the Trinamool MP asked.
[ad_2]
#Trinamool #seeks #probe #affairs #company #avoids #naming #Adani
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 9, 2023
Govt running away from JPC probe into allegations against Adani Group: Venugopal

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Congress MP K C Venugopal on Wednesday alleged that the government was “running away” from an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the allegations against the Adani Group as it wanted to “hide something”.
Leaders from different opposition parties in the Upper House also alleged that the President’s speech missed out key issues, especially the “attacks” on minority Muslims, price rise and unemployment, and demanded a caste-based census. Several of them demanded a JPC probe into the Hindenburg-Adani issue.
Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha, Venugopal said the truth will not come out with a JPC probe.
“This House has the greatest tradition. That House also has the greatest tradition. Whenever this type of big scam is raised in the public domain, it is the right of the parliamentarians to ask for an inquiry from the government
“If the government does not need to hide any truth, then it should come forward for a JPC inquiry, like during the UPA rule, how many JPC inquiries we have done.. we are asking why are you running away from JPC.. something is there somewhere,” he said.
He claimed there was high unemployment in the country and that some media platforms were spreading venom in the country in the name of Hindu-Muslim.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav hit back at the Congress, saying the opposition old party does not believe in any data put out by the goverment as he reeled out numbers related to employment generations, rise in internet users, vaccination, MUDRA loan, and free cooking gas connections.
The Congress does not appreciate anything on which India takes pride, he alleged.

Ajit Kumar Bhuyan (Independent), who belongs to Assam, said the people of the region had developed some hope after the prime minister told the nation that the Naga conflict was resolved when the Centre inked the framework agreement in August, 2015 but the President’s Address does not reflect any concern on the Naga conflict.
Vivek Thakur (BJP) spoke about the various development works and initiatives by the Modi government that have empowered the poor, farmers, dalits, tribals, and rural India during the last nine years.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Jaya Bachchan demanded that the government conduct a caste-based census so that Other Backward Community (OBC) people can avail the benefits of government welfare schemes and jobs.
She said beneficiaries for the government’s welfare schemes are identified based on caste data of scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST).
After 1931, a caste-based census – that would have helped get the data on OBCs – was not undertaken, she said.
“We demand… a caste-based census so that they (OBCs) get advantage and their due share in the welfare schemes and the government jobs,” she added.
Bachchan, also a Bollywood actress, alleged that the President’s speech failed to mention what the government has achieved in improving the lives of women, sanitation workers and senior citizens.
There was no mention of the Nirbhaya fund in the speech, she said, adding that the government also showed complete disregard towards the artist community.
NCP leader Fauzia Khan alleged that the ruling government was using the Enforcement Directorate to target the opposition party members, and alleged there is no politics with principles at present as “fear and exclusion” are used as a strategy for polarisation.
She also expressed concern over China’s alleged “water bomb” being developed by building river bridges and airports in neighbouring Nepal and Tibet. “This is a water bomb. Is the government thinking of signing a treaty with China?” she asked.
Pressing for a JPC probe on the Hindenburg-Adani issue, Abdul Wahab (IUML) alleged that the President’s speech did not address the struggles of the Muslims.
“India’s largest minority, that is Muslims, were not even once discussed by the President. We know there has been an increase in targeted attacks and demolition of houses in Muslim-dominated localities in UP, Uttarakhand, Assam and Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
The participation of Muslims in higher education has declined to 4.6 per cent from 5.5 per cent. The quality of public education deteriorated, and as a result, private tuition and coaching centres thrived. Financial aid to higher education students decreased, he added.
Wahab said the President’s address should have set a roadmap for addressing the common concerns of people in areas like rising unemployment, increase in gas cylinder and petrol price and hike in prices of essential food items.
Sulata Deo (BJD) talked about women’s empowerment and emphasised the need for the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Pabitra Magherio (BJP) praised the Modi government for taking steps to end terrorism in the Northeast. “There has been a 74 per cent decline in terrorist activities. Terrorists and rebel groups are in dialogue now.”
Terrorist activities have reduced and as a result, G-20 meetings are being held there also, he added.
Sonal Mansingh (BJP) drew attention to the government initiatives taken to promote and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.
“Government has chosen the path of consolidating heritage and giving priority to development”, she said.
The government’s endeavour has been to focus on preserving India’s glorious past, and paying homage and tribute to great freedom fighters, she said.
She mentioned initiatives such as upgrading five iconic museums to international standards, the Statue of Unity, and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate.
She said that millions of people have for centuries yearned for the temple of Lord Ram, for which the prime minister led the bhoomi pujan.
“It was an emotional moment for millions since many people had wondered if they would ever see Shri Ram in a grand temple instead of a makeshift tent,” she said.
Kavita Patidar (BJP) said the government has taken a number of policy measures for the welfare of farmers, right from the PM-KISAN scheme to One Nation One Fertiliser scheme, and PM Kisan Samruddhi Kendras.
Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) recounted that in 2014 after taking over as the prime minister, Narendra Modi announced that the Northeast region is a priority.
“He not only announced, he has implemented,” Baishya said. Before 2014, Assam had only one cancer hospital, and now that number has grown to nine, he added.
Ramchandra Jangra (BJP), Brijlal (BJP) and Rwngwra Narzary (UPPL) also participated in the debate.
Radha Mohan Das Agarwal (BJP) focused on the health sector. He said the health budget has increased to Rs 86,200 crore in 2022-23 from Rs 33,700 crore in 2013-14.
Santhosh Kumar P (CPI) accused the central government of weakening institutions like SEBI.
“It is actually now a Silent and Embarrassed Body of India,” he alleged.
A D Singh (RJD) also raised the demand for JPC probe.
“What is the harm if a JPC is constituted? At least, you can show to the world that everything is transparent here, and in case, the Opposition is saying something wrong, we will also get embarrassed if the JPC clears everything that a particular industrialist has done,” he said.
While supporting the motion of thanks, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj (BJD) highlighted that banking services are absent in many Panchayats of Odisha.
“These also need to be provided by the Centre,” he said, and added that because of the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer, the people of Odisha will not be benefitted unless Brick and Mortar (Physical) banks are there in the panchayats.
TMC MP Abir Ranjan Biswas said the immediate inquiry into the “big scam” which is currently creating much furore can happen in two different ways. It could be through a JPC or a time-bound probe by a Supreme Court-monitored Committee.
“So, we demand the second, of course, if the first plan is touching the weak nerve of the government,” he said.
[ad_2]
#Govt #running #JPC #probe #allegations #Adani #Group #Venugopal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 8, 2023
Govt running away from JPC probe into allegations against Adani Group: Venugopal

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Congress MP K C Venugopal on Wednesday alleged that the government was “running away” from an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the allegations against the Adani Group as it wanted to “hide something”.
Leaders from different opposition parties in the Upper House also alleged that the President’s speech missed out key issues, especially the “attacks” on minority Muslims, price rise and unemployment, and demanded a caste-based census. Several of them demanded a JPC probe into the Hindenburg-Adani issue.
Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha, Venugopal said the truth will not come out with a JPC probe.
“This House has the greatest tradition. That House also has the greatest tradition. Whenever this type of big scam is raised in the public domain, it is the right of the parliamentarians to ask for an inquiry from the government
“If the government does not need to hide any truth, then it should come forward for a JPC inquiry, like during the UPA rule, how many JPC inquiries we have done.. we are asking why are you running away from JPC.. something is there somewhere,” he said.
He claimed there was high unemployment in the country and that some media platforms were spreading venom in the country in the name of Hindu-Muslim.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav hit back at the Congress, saying the opposition old party does not believe in any data put out by the goverment as he reeled out numbers related to employment generations, rise in internet users, vaccination, MUDRA loan, and free cooking gas connections.
The Congress does not appreciate anything on which India takes pride, he alleged.

Ajit Kumar Bhuyan (Independent), who belongs to Assam, said the people of the region had developed some hope after the prime minister told the nation that the Naga conflict was resolved when the Centre inked the framework agreement in August, 2015 but the President’s Address does not reflect any concern on the Naga conflict.
Vivek Thakur (BJP) spoke about the various development works and initiatives by the Modi government that have empowered the poor, farmers, dalits, tribals, and rural India during the last nine years.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Jaya Bachchan demanded that the government conduct a caste-based census so that Other Backward Community (OBC) people can avail the benefits of government welfare schemes and jobs.
She said beneficiaries for the government’s welfare schemes are identified based on caste data of scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST).
After 1931, a caste-based census – that would have helped get the data on OBCs – was not undertaken, she said.
“We demand… a caste-based census so that they (OBCs) get advantage and their due share in the welfare schemes and the government jobs,” she added.
Bachchan, also a Bollywood actress, alleged that the President’s speech failed to mention what the government has achieved in improving the lives of women, sanitation workers and senior citizens.
There was no mention of the Nirbhaya fund in the speech, she said, adding that the government also showed complete disregard towards the artist community.
NCP leader Fauzia Khan alleged that the ruling government was using the Enforcement Directorate to target the opposition party members, and alleged there is no politics with principles at present as “fear and exclusion” are used as a strategy for polarisation.
She also expressed concern over China’s alleged “water bomb” being developed by building river bridges and airports in neighbouring Nepal and Tibet. “This is a water bomb. Is the government thinking of signing a treaty with China?” she asked.
Pressing for a JPC probe on the Hindenburg-Adani issue, Abdul Wahab (IUML) alleged that the President’s speech did not address the struggles of the Muslims.
“India’s largest minority, that is Muslims, were not even once discussed by the President. We know there has been an increase in targeted attacks and demolition of houses in Muslim-dominated localities in UP, Uttarakhand, Assam and Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
The participation of Muslims in higher education has declined to 4.6 per cent from 5.5 per cent. The quality of public education deteriorated, and as a result, private tuition and coaching centres thrived. Financial aid to higher education students decreased, he added.
Wahab said the President’s address should have set a roadmap for addressing the common concerns of people in areas like rising unemployment, increase in gas cylinder and petrol price and hike in prices of essential food items.
Sulata Deo (BJD) talked about women’s empowerment and emphasised the need for the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Pabitra Magherio (BJP) praised the Modi government for taking steps to end terrorism in the Northeast. “There has been a 74 per cent decline in terrorist activities. Terrorists and rebel groups are in dialogue now.”
Terrorist activities have reduced and as a result, G-20 meetings are being held there also, he added.
Sonal Mansingh (BJP) drew attention to the government initiatives taken to promote and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.
“Government has chosen the path of consolidating heritage and giving priority to development”, she said.
The government’s endeavour has been to focus on preserving India’s glorious past, and paying homage and tribute to great freedom fighters, she said.
She mentioned initiatives such as upgrading five iconic museums to international standards, the Statue of Unity, and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate.
She said that millions of people have for centuries yearned for the temple of Lord Ram, for which the prime minister led the bhoomi pujan.
“It was an emotional moment for millions since many people had wondered if they would ever see Shri Ram in a grand temple instead of a makeshift tent,” she said.
Kavita Patidar (BJP) said the government has taken a number of policy measures for the welfare of farmers, right from the PM-KISAN scheme to One Nation One Fertiliser scheme, and PM Kisan Samruddhi Kendras.
Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) recounted that in 2014 after taking over as the prime minister, Narendra Modi announced that the Northeast region is a priority.
“He not only announced, he has implemented,” Baishya said. Before 2014, Assam had only one cancer hospital, and now that number has grown to nine, he added.
Ramchandra Jangra (BJP), Brijlal (BJP) and Rwngwra Narzary (UPPL) also participated in the debate.
Radha Mohan Das Agarwal (BJP) focused on the health sector. He said the health budget has increased to Rs 86,200 crore in 2022-23 from Rs 33,700 crore in 2013-14.
Santhosh Kumar P (CPI) accused the central government of weakening institutions like SEBI.
“It is actually now a Silent and Embarrassed Body of India,” he alleged.
A D Singh (RJD) also raised the demand for JPC probe.
“What is the harm if a JPC is constituted? At least, you can show to the world that everything is transparent here, and in case, the Opposition is saying something wrong, we will also get embarrassed if the JPC clears everything that a particular industrialist has done,” he said.
While supporting the motion of thanks, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj (BJD) highlighted that banking services are absent in many Panchayats of Odisha.
“These also need to be provided by the Centre,” he said, and added that because of the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer, the people of Odisha will not be benefitted unless Brick and Mortar (Physical) banks are there in the panchayats.
TMC MP Abir Ranjan Biswas said the immediate inquiry into the “big scam” which is currently creating much furore can happen in two different ways. It could be through a JPC or a time-bound probe by a Supreme Court-monitored Committee.
“So, we demand the second, of course, if the first plan is touching the weak nerve of the government,” he said.
[ad_2]
#Govt #running #JPC #probe #allegations #Adani #Group #Venugopal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 8, 2023
France’s Total puts hydrogen partnership with Adani on hold for now

[ad_1]
New Delhi: France’s TotalEnergies, one of the largest foreign investors in billionaire Gautam Adani’s business empire, said it has put on hold participation in the Indian conglomerate’s USD 50 billion hydrogen project pending results of an audit launched following allegations by a US short-seller.
While the partnership with Adani group was announced in June last year, TotalEnergies has not yet signed a contract, the French group’s chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said at an earnings call.
As per the June 2022 announcement, TotalEnergies was to take 25 percent equity in Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL) – the Adani Group firm that is investing USD 50 billion over 10 years in a green hydrogen ecosystem that includes an initial production capacity of 1 million tonnes before 2030.
“Obviously, the hydrogen project will be put on hold until we have clarity,” Pouyanne said.
TotalEnergies, which has an exposure of USD 3.1 billion in the Adani group, will wait for the result of an audit launched by the conglomerate in response to allegations of accounting and financial fraud leveled by Hindenburg Research.
Adani group has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them malicious and an “attack on India”.
“It was announced, nothing was signed. It doesn’t exist,” Pouyanne said, referring to the hydrogen venture. “Mr Adani has other things to deal with now, it’s just good sense to pause things while the audit goes forward.”

[ad_2]
#Frances #Total #puts #hydrogen #partnership #Adani #hold
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 8, 2023
Kharge targets Centre, demands JPC probe on Adani

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Amid interruptions from the ruling party MPs and the chair, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition attacked the Central government over the demand for a probe by the joint parliamentary committee in the Adani case even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seated in the House.
Kharge said, “There should be a joint parliamentary committee probe in the Adani row… when the government is not afraid of anything then constitute a JPC.”
While attacking the PM, Kharge alleged, “Wealth of one of the closest friends of the Prime Minister increased by 12 times in the last two and half years. In 2014 it was Rs 50,000 crore group while in 2019 it became Rs 1 lakh crore group, but what ‘jadu’ (magic) happened that suddenly in two years assets worth Rs 12 lakh crore came…whether it is due to the favor of friendship.”
#WATCH | Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in exchange with LoP Mallikarjun Kharge who is demanding JPC on the Adani issue says, “it seems you will set up a JPC on me.”
(Video source: Sansad TV) pic.twitter.com/hGEt7oPeGz
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2023
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reacted sharply and said, “It is a very smart thing to say… We are giving data and we will corroborate it, but it is completely infused with insinuation against the Prime Minister and that is what we are objecting to. They are overtly insinuating the PM.”
While the chair asked for authentication, he said that there should be a discussion in the national interest. To this Kharge was furious, and said, “I speak the truth, is it anti-national? I am not anti-national and more patriotic than anyone here as I am ‘bhoomi-putra’. You are looting the country and telling me that I am an anti-national.”
Kharge alleged, “The responsible ministers, MPs are always Hindu-Muslim always and don’t get any other subject… Scheduled Castes people are beaten up upon entering temples, if they are considered Hindus why then the Scheduled Caste people not allowed in temples or educated…Many ministers show pictures of them eating at Scheduled Caste houses. Is that any achievement…”
During the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said that “one person became rich as his wealth increased 12 times from 2019”, which drew objections from the Chair and treasury bench.
However, the chair and the treasury benches objected to it.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “You are insinuating the Prime Minister which can’t be allowed… Any report from any corner of the world cannot be quoted here.”
Kharge had mentioned the Hindenburg report while attacking the government. Even the leader of the House, Piyush Goyal said that LoP casting aspersions on the Prime Minister were unacceptable.
While BJP’s Sushil Modi raised the point of order that any allegations made, a notice should be given in advance which the chair will validate.
The Finance Minister too said, “The LoP is insinuating the Hon’ble Prime Minister.” The Congress members said that they have not taken the name of the Prime Minister. The LoP, however, continued its tirade against the Adani Group.
He said that the group is taking money from the public sector banks and purchasing public sector undertakings. “Privatisation is also diminishing the reservation system which they could have got in the PSUs,” said Kharge.

[ad_2]
#Kharge #targets #Centre #demands #JPC #probe #Adani
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 8, 2023