Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Gaurav Gogoi has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, calling for immediate discussion on the serious allegations against the Adani Group. Gogoi’s motion brings attention to the “silence” of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), despite grave charges of bribery and securities fraud leveled against the conglomerate by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In a notice submitted to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, Gogoi emphasized the urgent need to address the issue, stating, “I hereby give notice of my intention to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance.” The motion is aimed at discussing the involvement of SECI, a central entity in India’s renewable energy sector, in facilitating business with the Adani Group amidst these allegations.
Lack of transparency in SECI’s actions
Gogoi has raised concerns over SECI’s failure to respond to the charges against the Adani Group, especially since these allegations directly implicate solar power deals facilitated by the government body. “The absence of any statement or action from SECI calls into question the principles of transparency and accountability that should govern public sector undertakings,” the notice reads. Gogoi stressed that SECI’s silence undermines the very foundation of public sector accountability, which is crucial to maintaining public trust.
The Congress MP further expressed worry over the impact these allegations could have on the renewable energy sector, which is central to India’s energy security and climate commitments. He specifically pointed to the Adani Group’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices as a significant threat to the integrity of solar power initiatives in the country. Gogoi highlighted that SECI’s role in awarding contracts to Adani companies raises important questions about the due diligence processes followed by the corporation.
Call for thorough investigation
Gogoi is demanding that the House support the adjournment motion and call for a comprehensive investigation into SECI’s involvement in the Adani issue. “The silence of SECI cannot be allowed to continue. Public institutions should not be compromised to safeguard the business interests of a select few,” he asserted in the notice. Gogoi is urging that the matter be investigated thoroughly to ensure that the public funds allocated for solar energy projects are being used appropriately and in the best interest of the nation.
Protests and stalled parliamentary proceedings
The adjournment motion comes at a time when Parliament is experiencing major disruptions. On Tuesday, opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh, staged a protest in Parliament, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the Adani issue. The protesters raised slogans and displayed banners calling for a detailed inquiry into the allegations against the Adani Group, which has become a hot-button issue in recent months.
This protest is part of a broader series of disruptions during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The session, which began on November 25, has been marked by opposition parties’ protests not only over the Adani issue but also over ongoing violence in Manipur and Sambhal. These protests have led to the stalling of parliamentary proceedings, with key legislative business being delayed or suspended.
In response to the growing unrest, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a directive on Tuesday asking members not to hold protests or demonstrations in front of Parliament’s gates, citing the hindrance they cause to the movement of lawmakers to their chambers during proceedings.
Renewed scrutiny of Adani Group
The Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has been under intense scrutiny following the US charges of securities fraud and bribery. These allegations have sparked political debates and widespread concern, particularly regarding its business dealings in India’s renewable energy sector, which has been positioned as central to the country’s climate change goals.
As the investigation into the Adani Group continues to unfold, the demand for a JPC to probe these charges has become one of the central issues for the opposition parties in the current session of Parliament. With the motion filed by Gogoi, the debate surrounding the Adani issue is set to intensify, further amplifying calls for greater transparency in India’s public sector dealings with major corporate entities.
Gogoi also questioned the rising imports from China at a time when relations between the two countries are strained.
Initiating a debate on the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, Gogoi wondered how the trade deficit with China has increased when the government claims to have “no relations” with China since 2020.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the House that India-China ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in border areas were disturbed due to Chinese actions.
The Winter Session of Parliament, which will run until December 20, is expected to witness more heated discussions and protests as the opposition presses for accountability on the Adani issue and other pressing matters.
