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The Telangana BJP has issued a strong challenge to the state's Congress government, demanding the withdrawal of permissions granted to Adani Group for projects valued at ₹12,000 crore. This escalation stems from a recent development where the Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, returned a ₹100 crore contribution from the Adani Group intended for a skill university. The BJP's general secretary, K. Venkateshwarlu, expressed deep skepticism regarding the Chief Minister's decision, publicly questioning the underlying motives behind the return of the funds. He further demanded transparency, urging Chief Minister Reddy to disclose the reasons behind this sudden reversal and to clarify whether his actions were influenced by pressure from his party leader, Rahul Gandhi. The implication is that the decision was politically motivated, a claim the Congress party is likely to vehemently deny. This incident has ignited a major political firestorm, further exacerbating the already tense relationship between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP in Telangana.
The BJP's criticism extends beyond the returned donation. Venkateshwarlu leveraged this opportunity to criticize the Congress party's broader stance on the Adani Group and Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted the Congress's often-repeated assertion that 'no one is above the law,' arguing that this principle should be applied consistently and that any violations should result in appropriate legal consequences. This pointed remark serves as a thinly veiled accusation against the Adani Group, suggesting that the BJP believes the Congress is selectively applying its own legal standards depending on the political affiliation of the entities involved. The BJP's strategy seems to be to highlight the perceived hypocrisy within the Congress's approach to corporate accountability, emphasizing the contrast between their public pronouncements and their actions in this particular case. This strategic move aims to gain political leverage by exploiting inconsistencies and shifting public opinion.
Beyond the financial aspects, the BJP also used this press conference to raise concerns about other Adani projects in Telangana, expressing serious doubts about their future. The alleged cancellation of the 'pharma city' project and the introduction of a new 'industrial corridor' in Lagcherla were also highlighted as evidence of questionable policy decisions by the Congress government. The BJP suggests these changes reflect a lack of transparency and strategic planning. Further fueling their accusations, the BJP noted the unusual silence from senior Congress leaders and cabinet colleagues regarding the Chief Minister's actions, contrasting this with the active support provided by leaders from Left parties. This observation hints at a possible rift within the Congress party, adding yet another layer of complexity to the already politically charged situation. The strategic use of this observation allows the BJP to paint a picture of disarray and weakness within the ruling party, further strengthening their own position.
The press conference concluded with an announcement regarding the BJP's upcoming Constitution Day celebrations. The inclusion of this announcement, seemingly unrelated to the Adani controversy, serves as a subtle reminder of the BJP’s commitment to constitutional values, subtly contrasting this with the alleged lack of transparency and accountability within the Congress party. By juxtaposing their adherence to constitutional principles with their critique of the Congress's handling of the Adani matter, the BJP aims to bolster its image as a party upholding integrity and good governance. This event serves as a microcosm of the larger political battles unfolding in Telangana, where the BJP seeks to leverage perceived weaknesses within the ruling Congress party to gain political ground before upcoming elections. The controversy surrounding Adani Group's projects in Telangana thus becomes a significant battleground in the ongoing political rivalry between these two major parties.
Source: BJP dares govt. to withdraw permission for Adani’s projects worth ₹12,000 crore