KTR challenges Telangana investment and criticizes Congress for its "double standards" towards Adani

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of exhibiting "double standards" in its approach to the Adani Group. His remarks came shortly after the Congress announced a nationwide protest scheduled for August 22, in response to the Hindenburg report, which alleges a nexus between the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Adani Group. 

KTR criticized the Congress for what he sees as a contradictory stance—vocal criticism of the Adani Group at the national level, while simultaneously welcoming and facilitating Adani's investments in Telangana, a state where the Congress holds significant political influence. He highlighted that the Adani Group had inked four significant agreements with the Telangana government in January 2024, amounting to an investment of over ₹12,400 crore across various sectors, including infrastructure and energy.

In a pointed question, KTR asked if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would urge Telangana Chief Minister and Congress leader Revanth Reddy to reconsider or roll back the Adani Group’s investments in the state. KTR’s query was intended to challenge the sincerity of Congress’s opposition to Adani, suggesting that the party’s stance might be driven more by political expediency than genuine conviction. He emphasized that if the Congress truly believes Adani is harmful to India, it should also oppose his investments in Telangana. 

KTR further accused the Congress of engaging in a selective and opportunistic critique, questioning whether the party’s actions align with its rhetoric. He contrasted this with the BRS's position, asserting that the BRS is unwavering in its commitment to the welfare and future of Telangana, and implied that the Congress’s actions might not reflect the same level of dedication to the state's interests.

The Hindenburg Research report, which was released on August 10, has been a flashpoint in Indian politics. It alleged that SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband had financial ties to obscure offshore funds that were purportedly used in the Adani money siphoning scandal. The report has intensified calls from  Congress and other parties within the INDIA bloc for Buch’s removal and a thorough investigation through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). On the other hand, the BJP has accused the opposition of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing India’s financial system and creating chaos, framing the allegations as part of a broader political strategy to undermine the government.

KTR’s remarks underscore the political complexity surrounding the Adani issue, as parties navigate the controversy with an eye on both national and regional implications. His criticism of Congress's alleged hypocrisy positions the BRS as a party that prioritizes the long-term interests of Telangana while questioning the consistency and motives behind Congress’s nationwide protest against Adani.