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The revelation of Gautam Adani's involvement in political talks between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) five years ago has sent shockwaves through the Indian political landscape. This revelation, made by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an interview with TNM-NL, throws light on a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's political history. The meetings, held in November 2019, preceded Ajit Pawar's controversial defection to the BJP, ultimately leading to his short-lived stint as Deputy Chief Minister.
Ajit Pawar, speaking to journalist Sreenivasan Jain, confirmed the existence of these meetings, stating that they took place in Delhi at a businessman's house. He named prominent figures who were present, including Amit Shah, Gautam Adani, Praful Patel, Devendra Fadnavis, and Sharad Pawar. This confirmation underscores the gravity of these meetings, as they involved high-ranking politicians and a prominent business tycoon, suggesting a possible nexus between political ambitions and corporate interests.
The meetings were held in the context of a political power struggle in Maharashtra, where the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance had fractured. Ajit Pawar, in an attempt to split the NCP and form a government with the BJP, joined forces with a group of MLAs. This move resulted in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, headed by Devendra Fadnavis, with Ajit Pawar serving as Deputy CM for a brief 80 hours. However, the majority of MLAs eventually returned to the NCP as Sharad Pawar refused to join the BJP, ending the alliance. This event marked a significant turning point in Maharashtra's political landscape, and the revelation of Adani's involvement adds a new dimension to this already complex scenario.
The presence of Gautam Adani, the billionaire chairman of the Adani Group, in these high-level political talks raises questions about his influence and potential role in shaping political alliances. While Adani has denied any involvement in these meetings, the revelation throws a spotlight on the growing influence of business tycoons in Indian politics. This has led to calls for greater transparency and accountability, as concerns about corporate influence in government decisions continue to grow. This development also prompts a deeper examination of the connections between business and politics in India, highlighting the need for robust regulatory mechanisms to ensure fair play and prevent undue influence.
The revelation of Gautam Adani's presence at these meetings, though made years later, has ignited renewed interest in the events of November 2019. It serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between politics and business, and raises questions about the potential for corporate influence to shape political decisions. This incident underscores the need for vigilance in scrutinizing the actions of powerful individuals and organizations, especially in a context where the lines between business and politics are often blurred.
Source: Gautam Adani was part of BJP-NCP talks, Ajit Pawar reveals