The OCCRP reports, highlighting foreign donations to certain trusts associated with political leaders during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) administration, have become a central talking point for BJP leaders. The party is leveraging this narrative to accuse Congress of double standards while deflecting attention from its association with Gautam Adani, a figure embroiled in ongoing global and domestic controversies. The BJP has framed the findings as evidence of questionable practices during Congress's tenure, suggesting that calls for accountability should extend beyond the Adani issue.
The move follows escalating tensions in the Parliament, where Congress has persistently demanded a probe into allegations against the Adani Group. These demands stem from claims made by U.S. prosecutors regarding bribes paid to secure power contracts in multiple states between 2021 and 2022. Congress leaders have staged protests, accusing the BJP government of shielding Adani and obstructing investigations. The BJP, however, has denied involvement in protecting industrialists, emphasizing its commitment to legal accountability.
As debates continue, BJP spokespersons have maintained a critical stance, asserting that Congress cannot claim moral high ground given its own history of controversies. The party has also noted that Congress’s protests are undermined by international scrutiny of donations linked to its leaders, as reported by OCCRP. By bringing these issues to the fore, the BJP aims to reframe the discourse and challenge opposition unity.
Amid these developments, the larger political implications remain significant. The Congress-led opposition has focused on raising public awareness about alleged corporate favoritism under the BJP administration, while the BJP seeks to redirect the narrative by amplifying past allegations against its critics. This battle of narratives is expected to dominate the remainder of the parliamentary session, with each side vying to influence public opinion ahead of upcoming elections.
The Adani controversy has prompted mixed reactions within the BJP. While distancing itself from the allegations against Adani, the party has defended the broader role of industrialists in economic development. However, states such as Andhra Pradesh, ruled by BJP alliances, have taken measures to reassess contracts involving the Adani Group, signaling a cautious approach as the case unfolds.