“Chanda aur Dhanda”: KTR Challenges Rahul Gandhi on Adani Stance

Hyderabad: The Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, donated Rs 100 crore to Telangana’s proposed Young India Skill University during a meeting with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on October 18, 2024. This generous contribution was aimed at supporting the state’s efforts to bolster youth skill development through the new university.
The donation was announced via a social media post from the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office, in which Gautam Adani pledged continued support for the state’s initiatives. “Privileged to contribute to the transformative vision and inspiring leadership of Revanth Reddy with the Young India Skills University initiative,” Adani posted on X, adding that their collaboration aims to “unlock boundless potential for a brighter, more prosperous India.”
This development comes in the backdrop of a sharp political exchange, with BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stance on Adani. Speaking to the media, KTR criticized Rahul Gandhi for what he called a clear contradiction in his position. “In Delhi, you oppose Adani, but in Telangana, your nominee chief minister is running businesses funded by Adani. What is the truth behind this chanda aur dhanda?” KTR asked, challenging Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether Adani is a friend or foe.
KTR further questioned Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Adani rhetoric, reminding him that just a year ago, Gandhi had labeled Adani and Modi as two sides of the same coin, referring to the billionaire businessman as “Modani.” He urged Gandhi to reveal his true stand on Adani, particularly in light of the Rs 100 crore donation made by the group to the state under Congress leadership.
Rahul Gandhi’s Job Promise Scrutinized
In the same media interaction, KTR took another dig at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading Telangana’s youth during a meeting in Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad last October. At that time, Rahul Gandhi had promised to provide jobs to 2 lakh youth within a year. “It’s been a year, and only two people have gotten jobs—one is Rahul Gandhi, and the other is Revanth Reddy,” KTR mocked.
Adani’s Influence in Telangana
The Adani Group’s involvement in Telangana’s projects has been substantial. Besides the Rs 100 crore donation, Adani Logistics has been announced as an industry partner for the Young India Skill University, collaborating to establish the School of E-commerce and Logistics, where they will help design curricula, train students, and provide jobs.
Moreover, the Adani Group has partnered with Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to collect electricity bills in Hyderabad, with 25% of the revenue going to the Adani Group. This partnership, announced in June, has sparked controversy, especially in light of Congress’s national stance against Adani.
National vs Local: The Adani Dilemma
Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command have consistently condemned the Modi government’s ties to Adani, accusing the group of crony capitalism. However, Revanth Reddy’s Congress-led government in Telangana has appeared to maintain a friendlier relationship with the Adani Group, sparking questions about the party’s commitment to its anti-Adani narrative.
While Rahul Gandhi has joined national protests against Adani, demanding transparency amid stock manipulation allegations, the Telangana government has continued to partner with the conglomerate for several initiatives, including the Young India Skill University and power distribution services.
The contrasting approaches in Congress-ruled states, such as Chhattisgarh, where the Adani Group also holds significant investments, have fueled further debate on the party’s overall stance toward the business magnate.