Rahul Gandhi on Sharad Pawar's friendship with Gautam Adani: Pawar not protecting Adani, PM Modi is

Rahul Gandhi at the presser/ PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, made a statement addressing his concerns about Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar's recent interactions with industrialist Gautam Adani. Gandhi emphasized that Sharad Pawar, a respected figure in Indian politics, neither holds the position of Prime Minister nor is he actively safeguarding the interests of the billionaire businessman, stated a report in PTI.

Pawar's meetings with Gautam Adani have garnered significant attention, particularly in light of the growing demands by various Indian political blocs for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into allegations raised by US-based short seller Hindenburg. These developments have raised questions within the opposition ranks.

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When asked whether he had inquired about Pawar's engagements with Adani, which seemed contrary to the stance taken by many opposition parties, Rahul Gandhi was quoted as saying, "No, I have not raised this issue. Sharad Pawar does not hold the position of Prime Minister of India. The responsibility of protecting Adani lies with PM Narendra Modi, and that's precisely why I direct this question to PM Modi, not Pawar."

Gandhi further explained, "If Sharad Pawar were in the role of India's Prime Minister and actively safeguarding Adani's interests, then my inquiry would be directed at him."

This statement was made by the former Congress leader during a press conference held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, the report added.

It is worth noting that Pawar had made visits to Gautam Adani's office and residence in Ahmedabad in September. In April of the same year, Adani had visited Pawar's Silver Oak residence in south Mumbai. This extensive meeting, spanning nearly two hours, occurred shortly after Pawar expressed his support for Adani and criticised the narrative surrounding the Hindenburg report.

Pawar's position appeared to diverge from the standpoint of his political allies, including the Congress, which had been pushing for a JPC investigation into allegations of fraud and stock market manipulations involving the Adani Group. At the time, Pawar had voiced his preference for a Supreme Court committee to investigate allegations against the Adani Group.

The longstanding relationship between Sharad Pawar and Gautam Adani, which extends back almost two decades, was documented in Pawar's Marathi autobiography, "Lok Maze Saangati," published in 2015. In the book, Pawar lauded Adani's endeavours in the coal sector, the report read.

The Congress has been actively scrutinising the financial dealings of the Adani Group, especially in the wake of Hindenburg's allegations of irregularities and stock price manipulation. The Adani Group has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that it has not engaged in any wrongdoing.