Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Trading Adani's Legal Shield for US Deal

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after reports emerged that the US Department of Justice may drop charges against industrialist Gautam Adani. Rahul alleged that the government’s engagement with the United States was aimed not at securing trade benefits for India, but at protecting the Adani Group chairman from legal troubles abroad. The remarks have reignited the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over allegations surrounding the Adani Group and its business dealings.

The controversy erupted after a report by The New York Times claimed that the US Justice Department was considering withdrawing charges against Gautam Adani in a case related to alleged fraud and corruption. According to the report, the development followed a meeting in which Gautam’s legal representatives reportedly made what was described as an “unusual offer” to American authorities. The report has since triggered strong political reactions in India, with opposition parties questioning the timing and possible diplomatic implications surrounding the matter.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of compromising national interests to shield a close business ally. Taking aim at the center, he said the government had not pursued a trade agreement in the larger interest of Indian businesses and consumers but instead struck a “deal” aimed at helping Gautam escape legal scrutiny in the United States. Rahul further alleged that the BJP-led government continued to protect the industrialist despite repeated accusations raised by opposition parties over the past two years.

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The Congress has consistently targeted Gautam Adani since US prosecutors indicted him, his nephew Sagar Adani, and several others in November 2024 in connection with alleged bribery and fraud-related charges. The opposition party has repeatedly demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani Group’s affairs, claiming there are links between the businessman’s rapid expansion and government support. The BJP, however, has rejected all allegations, accusing the Congress of spreading misinformation and attempting to damage India’s business environment.

The latest report from the United States has once again intensified the political debate ahead of several crucial state elections. Congress leaders claimed the development raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability, while BJP leaders dismissed the accusations as politically motivated attacks lacking evidence. Supporters of the government argued that any legal developments in the US are independent decisions of American authorities and should not be linked to India’s diplomatic relations or trade discussions.

The Adani Group has previously denied wrongdoing in all allegations leveled against it and has maintained that its operations comply with all legal and regulatory standards. Meanwhile, the political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP is expected to continue as opposition parties seek to corner the government over its relationship with major corporate groups. The issue is also likely to dominate parliamentary discussions and campaign speeches in the coming weeks as both sides attempt to shape the narrative around governance, business influence, and accountability.

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