A verbal sparring match has erupted between the Bihar government and the BJP following the Adani Group’s announcement of a substantial investment of Rs 8,700 crore in the state. This move comes amidst ongoing allegations against the conglomerate, including accusations of stock price manipulation and improper use of tax havens.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Tejashwi Yadav have repeatedly raised questions about the alleged ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani, the head of the Adani Group. The political discourse has intensified, with the opposition accusing the state government of adopting “double standards.”
Bihar BJP President Samrat Chaudhary criticized the Nitish Kumar government, alleging “double standards” for accepting investments from the Adani Group while simultaneously criticizing Gautam Adani for political gain on the national stage. Chaudhary argued that industrialists contribute to development, and opposition attempts to link Adani with PM Modi are misleading.
In contrast, the ruling coalition partner RJD defended the Adani Group’s investment in Bihar. The party clarified that their concern was not about the group investing in the state but rather the perceived wrongful assistance from the Centre to the Adani group.
The Adani Group’s decision to invest Rs 8,700 crore in Bihar spans various sectors and is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs. The announcement was made during the Bihar Global Investor’s Summit 2023 by Pranav Adani, Director of Adani Enterprises, who expressed the group’s alignment with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision for the state’s development.