After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi renewed his accusation about Modi government’s partiality towards Gautam Adani’s businesses, Union minister for women and child development Smriti Irani vigorously lobbed the ball back into the opponent’s court, going to the extent of saying that Congress government in Chhattisgarh handed over land of tribals to the group.
“The tribals kept protesting, still their land was given away to Adani’s”, as she reeled off the “benefits” allegedly given by Congress and other non-BJP governments to Adani Group, starting from the go-ahead for building Mundra port.
“These people have been harping on Adani-Adani. I also wish to say a few things on it… In 1993 Congress gave space to Adani in the Mundra Port… During UPA rule, they gave a Rs 72,000 crore loan to Adani. Why was the work of ports in different states given to Adani during Congress rule?” she questioned and also referred to Adani projects in Rajasthan, DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu and Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal.
She also displayed a picture of Rahul Gandhi’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra, spouse of Priyanka Gandhi, with Gautam Adani. “Mere pas bhi photo hai,” she chirped. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, had once again raised the issue of the Adani group.
“The last time I spoke, I also caused you (peeda) pain. I focused on Adani ji with such intensity, your senior leaders felt pain. That pain also affected you, for that I apologise to you,” Gandhi said addressing Speaker Om Birla.