Guwahati, Nov 22: The Assam Congress has levelled serious allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, linking him to the $250 million bribery scheme that allegedly involved Adani and his associates in securing high-priced solar power contracts across India. These allegations have emerged following accusations by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which implicated Gautam Adani and others in a massive bribery operation between 2020 and 2024.
Adani Green Energy Limited is accused of raising $175 million from U.S. investors while concealing its corrupt practices. Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on Friday Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah said the Assam government, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azure Power for purchase of 90 MW solar power for 25 years.
“Azure Power is reportedly linked with Adani Green, and the MoU involves a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). The project was inaugurated in July 2022, with the Chief Minister present,” Borah said. The Congress has alleged that the Sarma-led government plans to allocate 7,000 bighas of land in Baithalangso, West Karbi Anglong, for industrial purposes. They claim this may also benefit Adani’s interests.
Borah argued that the state’s high electricity tariffs are enriching Adani’s companies, alleging a nexus between BJP political funding and Adani’s business activities.
The SEC’s bribery accusations include the involvement of Indian officials in multiple states, with contracts projected to yield over ₹16,000 crore in profits. Despite allegations and court orders, no actions have been taken against Adani, according to Borah.
Borah also said the Congress has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the matter, echoing similar demands by Rahul Gandhi at the national level. The alleged bribery scandal not only raises questions about governance in Assam but also highlights potential loopholes in India’s regulatory and political systems.
The Assam Congress has demanded a detailed inquiry to establish accountability and transparency in the matter.
Borah also alleged a 50% overnight hike in the price of Indonesian coal to favour Adani Group operations, with the benefits allegedly funnelling to Gujarat. Borah also alleged the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) failed to complete its investigation into Adani despite a Supreme Court-mandated deadline.
He also expressed concerns over SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch’s alleged financial ties to the Adani Group have added to suspicions. The Congress leader further alleged that institutions like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department have been targeting opposition leaders while shielding Adani from scrutiny.
He further pointed out the stark difference in treatment between opposition leaders arrested for smaller allegations (₹31-100 crore) and Adani, accused of a ₹2,000 crore bribery scheme, who remains untouched.
