MS Shanker
A recent US court directive ordering the arrest of Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani has ignited a political storm in India, with the Congress party seizing the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demand immediate action. However, the party’s hasty response—devoid of thorough understanding or verification of facts—appears to be another self-goal.
According to news reports, a US court alleges that the Adani Group diverted investments from a US-based firm to bribe Indian state governments for setting up solar plants. Interestingly, the implicated states were governed by the Congress party or its allies at the time: Chhattisgarh (Congress), Tamil Nadu (DMK, a Congress ally), Andhra Pradesh (YSRCP, anti-BJP), and Odisha (BJD).
This crucial detail, however, seems to have escaped the Congress leadership in their rush to target Modi.
Rahul Gandhi, the face of Congress and the Opposition, has once again displayed a lack of comprehension of international legal procedures. In cases like these, investigations require bilateral cooperation between institutions of both countries involved. A US court cannot unilaterally direct action in India without involving Indian authorities, particularly the Finance Ministry. Yet, Gandhi’s call for immediate action betrays either a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead.
Furthermore, allegations that Adani pressured the Biden administration to support a “puppet” government in Bangladesh, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as its advisor, raise serious concerns. Critics claim Adani threatened to cut off power supply, potentially plunging Bangladesh into darkness if the caretaker government failed to clear outstanding dues. The timing of the U.S. court verdict also raises suspicions of deep-state interference, possibly as a last-ditch effort to embarrass India and undermine its global standing.
Responding to these allegations, the Adani Group dismissed the US court’s directive as arbitrary and part of a broader conspiracy. They claimed that deep-state actors in the US-orchestrated this campaign to destabilize India and tarnish the Modi government’s reputation.
Interestingly, reports have linked the US investing firm behind the case to billionaire George Soros, known for his open criticism of Modi and alleged efforts to undermine his administration. Soros’s past involvement in anti-government campaigns, including the farmer protests and anti-NRC demonstrations, lends credence to claims of an orchestrated effort to destabilize India.
Adding another layer to the controversy is the backdrop of shifting political dynamics in the US. The outgoing Democratic administration, often accused of harbouring anti-India sentiments, has been criticized for tacitly supporting pro-Khalistan and anti-India elements. Recent accusations against Indian intelligence officials and other actions have strained US-India relations, despite claims of strengthening ties.
The timing of the court directive—just months before a potential change in US leadership with Donald Trump’s return to power—raises questions about its intent. Trump has publicly vowed to weed out the so-called “deep state,” which critics argue has been misusing its influence both domestically and internationally.
For Congress, the timing couldn’t be better—or worse, depending on the perspective. After being out of power for over a decade, the party seems desperate to latch onto any narrative that could revive its relevance. However, its strategy of amplifying unverified claims and aligning with anti-India narratives has backfired repeatedly.
The party’s eagerness to use the US court’s directive as ammunition against Modi is particularly baffling, considering the states named in the allegations—likely recipients of the alleged bribes—were under Congress’s governance. This glaring oversight has only highlighted the party’s lack of coherence and credibility.
Congress’s broader struggles are evident in its declining electoral performance. Recent losses in Haryana and poor showings in Jammu and Kashmir underscore the party’s inability to connect with voters. Even in states where it currently holds power, such as Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, its grip appears tenuous.
The desperation to undermine Modi, even at the cost of siding with questionable international narratives, reflects poorly on Congress’s political strategy. Instead of focusing on constructive opposition and addressing domestic issues, the party seems fixated on scoring points in the global arena—often at India’s expense.
The US court directive, whether legitimate or part of a larger conspiracy, requires due diligence from Indian authorities. Until official communication is received, treating the verdict as gospel serves no purpose other than fuelling unwarranted speculation.
For Congress, the episode should serve as a wake-up call. Criticism of the government is a cornerstone of democracy, but it must be grounded in facts and informed analysis. By repeatedly jumping the gun, the party risks further alienating itself from the Indian electorate.
In the end, the spectacle surrounding the US court directive may prove to be yet another chapter in the Opposition’s increasingly irrelevant playbook. For the Congress party, it’s not just about winning elections anymore—it’s about regaining credibility.
