SECI Chair Sacked Amidst Adani Bribery Scandal Allegations

The Congress has linked the sacking of SECI's R P Gupta to bribery allegations against Gautam Adani. Charges by US authorities claim SECI's recommendations facilitated deals involving bribes worth Rs 2,029 crores. The Indian government has yet to respond to US requests for Adani's summons.

The recent dismissal of R P Gupta as Chairman and Managing Director of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has sparked controversy, with Congress attempting to associate the action with accusations against businessman Gautam Adani. US authorities have charged Adani and his associates over allegations of corruption related to solar energy contracts in India.

Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh claims that SECI was implicated in a US chargesheet for enabling various states to engage in purchase agreements with Adani, resulting in alleged bribery totaling Rs 2,029 crores. Amid these allegations, SECI altered its power tender issuance process in December 2024.

With R P Gupta's removal preceding the end of his term, the Congress argues that the timing correlates with the ongoing scrutiny. Despite pressure, the Indian government has not yet complied with the US Securities and Exchange Commission's request to serve summons to Adani and his associates.

(With inputs from agencies.)