Saurabh Bharadwaj Questions Indian Government’s Silence on US Summons Regarding Adani Group

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, the Delhi state president of the Aam Aadmi Party, has renewed his criticism of Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani. Bharadwaj highlighted the widespread coverage of the issue on social media. He noted that the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission began legal proceedings in November 2024. Bharadwaj expressed surprise that, after around six months, Adani has not yet received the US summons. Bharadwaj accused the Adani Group of a scandal involving the alleged bribery of Indian government officials, amounting to 22 billion rupees. He explained that the Adani Group had set a target of collecting about $750 million, earmarked for investment in power projects, with an anticipated profit of $2 billion over two decades. Bharadwaj clarified that the use of American taxpayer funds by a foreign company in its business activities subjects it to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Referring to the summons, Bharadwaj stated that Adani had devised a plan to bribe some Indian government officials with $256 million (approximately 22 billion rupees) to secure business advantages. Some of the payment had been made, and some was pending. He emphasized that the United States has taken notice of this alleged corruption. Bharadwaj further stated that because US investors’ money was part of the projects, a US District Court issued a summons to Adani, according to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, requiring a response within 21 days. He also questioned the Indian government’s inaction concerning the matter.