After opposition lawmakers went to the House Well to demand a quick discussion on the Adani Group issue and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha was suspended until Tuesday at 2 p.m. Following protests by opposition MPs, the Lok Sabha was also recessed until 1:30 pm. Notably, this is the fourth day in a row that the opposition’s demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the Adani-Hindenburg dispute has caused disruptions in the Parliament.
Earlier today, Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, criticised the BJP for a JPC investigation into the incident. “We are saying that we will take part in the discussion. But you accept our demand for a proper inquiry and constitution of a JPC or CJI-monitored probe on the Adani issue. Why are you nervous? What is wrong here, why can’t you do it? They’re running away from discussion, not us,” he said. He also accused BJP of “lying” regarding the functioning of Parliament.
“They adjourn House even before we raise an issue. No mention of our Notices, they just say that the House is not in order. Did you try to make it function? They lie that we create a ruckus. BJP is an expert in lying. They’re trained in lying and misleading people,”
Following a report by a US-based short seller Hindenburg Research that made allegations against some companies of the Adani group, the opposition parties are calling for discussion regarding investments by LIC, public sector banks, and financial institutions “in companies losing market value, endangering the savings of crores of Indians.”
On January 24, a report by the US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced, asserting that the Adani Group had weak economic fundamentals and was, among other things, engaged in stock manipulation and accounting fraud. The revelation sparked a sell-off of all Adani Group firms’ shares.
The Rajya Sabha chairman today expressed his support for the governments and citizens of Turkey and Syria, whose lives have been upended by events of such immense power.
“A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter Scale ripped through Turkey and Syria on February 6, followed by a series of earthquakes causing enormous devastation, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure in both countries.
“As reported in media, over 4,000 people lost their lives. Our country, promptly on its part, sent assistance as NDRF search and rescue teams, specially trained dogs, medical supplies and other equipment to assist the authorities in those countries. We extend our solidarity with the governments and people of Turkey and Syria,” Dhankar said.
