New Delhi, November 26 – On the opening day of the Parliament session, Congress MP and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh reiterated the opposition’s unwavering demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate allegations of bribery involving Adani executives in the United States. Speaking to the media, Ramesh emphasized that opposition parties would also push for discussions on pressing issues, including Manipur, Nagaland, and recent communal violence in Uttar Pradesh.
“We are not going to compromise. The need for a JPC has been further reinforced by the indictment handed down by US agencies and courts. We will continue to demand a JPC,” Ramesh asserted.
Demand for Discussions on National Issues
The Congress leader highlighted other topics that the opposition wants addressed:
- Northeast Issues: The need for a comprehensive discussion on the situations in Manipur and Nagaland.
- Communal Violence in Uttar Pradesh: Ramesh claimed it has become a significant concern for opposition parties.
- Electoral Fairness: Many opposition leaders are pushing for debates on ensuring free and fair elections in India.
Criticism of RSS and the Constitution Debate
Ramesh also accused the RSS mouthpiece Organiser of attacking the Indian Constitution shortly after its adoption.
“I also drew attention to the fact that just four days after the Constitution was adopted, the Organiser attacked it, saying it was not inspired by Manusmriti or ‘Manuwadi ideas.’ The same people celebrating it tomorrow had attacked it back then,” he alleged.
He further noted that November 25 marks the 75th anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s historic speech in the Constituent Assembly, where he credited the Congress Party for ensuring discipline during the drafting of the Constitution.
INDIA Bloc’s Stand on Adani Allegations
The INDIA bloc leaders held a meeting before the session, reiterating their demand for a JPC probe into allegations involving Adani executives. Referring to the issue as the “Modani scam,” Ramesh said, “The case for a JPC has been reinforced by recent indictments of Adani’s bribery and suppression of information from Indian and American regulators.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also weighed in, stating that monopolies and cartels are detrimental to the country. “We need healthy, market-driven competition in the private sector, which ensures equal opportunities, employment, and equitable wealth distribution,” Kharge said on X (formerly Twitter).
Parliament Proceedings Adjourned
Both houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, were adjourned for the day but are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, November 27.