Modi ji, This is Not a Personal Matter: Rahul Gandhi Fires Salvo at PM

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, today responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the Adani Group controversy, asserting that it is "not a personal matter" but a significant issue concerning the country. Gandhi made these comments on February 21, 2025, while addressing a gathering of youths in Lalganj, Uttar Pradesh, during a visit to his parliamentary constituency of Rae Bareli.

Gandhi’s statement was in direct response to PM Modi’s interaction with the US press during his visit to Washington, D.C. the last week. When asked whether he had discussed the bribery charges leveled against Gautam Adani with the US President, Donald Trump, Modi had described the issue as an "individual matter", stating that such topics are not typically addressed in meetings between world leaders. Modi emphasised India’s democratic values and the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), suggesting that personal or individual issues do not feature in such high-level discussions.

In his critique, Gandhi rejected this framing, saying, "Narendra Modi ji, this is not a personal matter. It's a matter of the country". He has been accusing Modi of shielding Adani, alleging that a case of "corruption and theft" involving the business tycoon is pending in the U.S.

Gandhi argued that if Modi were truly acting in the nation’s interest, he would have raised the matter with Trump, promising an inquiry and, if necessary, cooperation with U.S. authorities. Instead, Gandhi claimed, Modi dismissed it as a personal issue, implying a reluctance to address the allegations transparently.

The controversy stems from charges filed by U.S. authorities in November 2024 against Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and other Adani Group executives. They are accused of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme linked to solar power contracts in India, alongside allegations of securities and wire fraud for misleading U.S. investors. The Adani Group has consistently denied these claims, calling them baseless and affirming its commitment to legal recourse and regulatory compliance.