Opposition Protests Over Adani Issue, Union Ministers Hit Back

New Delhi, December 5: Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Opposition MPs for their protests over the Adani issue in Parliament, calling it a "political drama" and suggesting they focus on more meaningful activities.

"It would have been better if the people who call themselves Leaders of the Opposition (LoP) had done 'Parikrama' of Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Instead of creating drama here, they should have gone to Rajghat," said Singh on Thursday.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed his displeasure with the Opposition's behavior, accusing them of disrupting parliamentary proceedings and staging theatrics outside.

"I am very distressed by the behavior of the opposition parties since the beginning of the Winter Session. Important issues like bills and constitutional discussions were scheduled in the Business Advisory Committee, but the Congress and their allies are disrupting the House. They’re even running around Parliament premises wearing colorful jackets—this is no way to conduct parliamentary business," Rijiju stated.

Rijiju further raised concerns about conspiracies targeting India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity, which were brought up by some MPs.
"These are serious matters, yet the Opposition is focusing on unrelated issues and running around Parliament premises in protest. I am deeply upset by their actions," he added.

The protests were led by opposition MPs, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who wore jackets emblazoned with the slogan, "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani Safe Hai."

Rahul Gandhi targeted the Union government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over allegations linking Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case investigated by US prosecutors.

"Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated. Modi and Adani are not two separate entities; they are one," said Rahul Gandhi during the protest.

Parliamentary proceedings have been stalled since the Winter Session began on November 25 due to persistent protests by opposition parties over the Adani issue, as well as violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Both houses of Parliament have witnessed limited activity, with repeated adjournments caused by ruckus from the Opposition demanding a discussion on Adani-related allegations.

The Adani Group has denied allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green Energy. Meanwhile, the BJP has maintained that "the law will take its course" and criticized Rahul Gandhi's remarks, accusing the Congress of derailing parliamentary discussions for political gain.

The Winter Session of Parliament will continue until December 20, but disruptions are expected to persist unless a resolution is reached.