Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Parliament on Thursday became another day of protests, accusations, and heated exchanges, as Opposition leaders rallied against the government over the Adani controversy. The day started with MPs of the INDIA bloc wearing black jackets with slogans, and calling for a joint parliamentary probe, while fiery remarks inside the Lok Sabha led to multiple adjournments.
INDIA bloc’s black jacket protest
Leaders from the INDIA bloc assembled at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, wearing black jackets inscribed with slogans “Modi Adani Ek Hai” and “Adani Safe Hai”. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were seen sporting the slogan on their white T-shirt and coat. Other prominent Congress MPs joined the protest. The slogans were a direct jab at Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of shielding Adani from accountability.
The protest was staged outside the main steps of Parliament after the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory discouraging such demonstrations in front of Parliament gates. Despite the advisory, INDIA bloc MPs carried their protest to the Samvidhan Sadan steps, where they chanted slogans accusing Modi of protecting Adani.
Rahul and Priyanka demand answers
Asserting that Adani’s indictment in a US court “vindicated” the opposition's stance, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi demanded an immediate discussion in Parliament.
"The Prime Minister cannot investigate Adani because it would be like investigating himself," Rahul Gandhi said.
“Why is the PM silent when the world is questioning Adani?” Priyanka Gandhi asked, as she joined the Opposition chorus demanding a JPC probe.
Lok Sabha chaos and adjournments
Inside the Parliament, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed an international conspiracy was at play. Linking opposition leaders to foreign billionaire investor George Soros and investigative media platform Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Dubey alleged that the Congress was part of a plot to derail India’s success story under Modi.
OCCRP is a nonprofit investigative reporting platform for 50+ independent media outlets around the world. In 2023, they had alleged Gautam Adani's family of investing millions of dollars in its own companies via “opaque” Mauritius funds.
In a press conference, BJP MPs K Laxman and Sambit Patra cited a report in the French media outlet 'Mediapart' to target Gandhi.
Patra claimed Gandhi occupied three sides of a "dangerous" triangle trying to destabilise India and stoke public disaffection for a regime change.
"I have no hesitation in saying he (Gandhi) is a traitor of the highest order," he said.
Dubey’s remarks, which accused Rahul Gandhi, sparked chaos in the Lok Sabha. Congress MPs accused Dubey of defaming their leader and demanding an apology. Speaker Om Birla adjourned the session twice, first till 2 pm and again at 3 pm, as the disruptions continued.
BJP hits back
Dubey defended his statements, claiming they were based on media reports and the findings of OCCRP. “The Congress has repeatedly derailed Parliament sessions on issues raised in foreign publications, from Pegasus to Adani. They’re only playing politics,” Dubey asserted.
Union minister for parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Opposition protests as a “fashion show” in black jackets. “This is not how Parliament should function,” Rijiju said, accusing the opposition of lowering the dignity of the House with their theatrics.
Cracks in the INDIA bloc?
The Trinamul Congress (TMC) abstained from participating in the protests. While Congress leaders emphasised the importance of unity, the TMC’s silence raised questions about their commitment to the bloc’s collective agenda.
Most of the other members of the INDIA bloc–from RJD to SP- were present in the Opposition protest.
Congress vows to persist
The Congress doubled down on its demand for action. General Secretary K.C. Venugopal condemned Dubey’s remarks, calling them “unparliamentary” and accusing him of being an “agent of Adani.” The party urged Speaker Birla to take immediate action against Dubey for his comments. Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi echoed the sentiment, calling for an apology from Dubey and accusing BJP MPs of deflecting attention from the Adani controversy.
Congress leaders have vowed to keep up the pressure. Rahul Gandhi declared he would not be silenced by "agents of Adani" and pledged to continue exposing what he termed “mega corruption.”
Thursday’s drama highlighted the deepening rift between the government and the Opposition. It revealed the opposition’s resolve to target the Modi government over Adani and the BJP’s counter strategy of accusing Rahul Gandhi. As Parliament remains gridlocked because of disruptions, the political fallout from the Adani controversy is far from over.
