Annamalai Defends Adani Meeting: ‘Not a Sin,’ Slams Opposition Protests
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai addressed the controversy surrounding his meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani on Wednesday, stating that such interactions are “not a sin.”
He accused the DMK and Congress of misleading the public with their protests over alleged Adani ties to the BJP.
“He is a businessman in our country,” Annamalai stated, defending the meeting. “Every single state government wants to roll a red carpet for inviting big industrialists to their global investor summit. It is the Congress and DMK MPs that started this bogus protest outside the Parliament saying that ‘Adani-BJP Ek Hai.’ Since CM (MK Stalin) said he has not met Adani, we are making a charge against him. Don’t hoodwink Tamil Nadu people… You should acknowledge that Adani has done business in Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Congress Refutes BJP’s Allegations of Soros Links
In response to BJP’s allegations of connections between Congress and billionaire George Soros, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate dismissed the claims as baseless diversions from the Adani controversy.
Speaking to ANI, Shrinate questioned why the government has not acted against Soros if his agenda is “anti-India.”
She also pointed to BJP-linked initiatives associated with Soros-backed projects, saying, “One of the founders of Capital Float is linked to a prominent BJP leader. If Soros’s agenda is anti-national, why hasn’t the government banned it?”
Shrinate further highlighted India’s financial contributions of USD 900,000 to Soros-backed initiatives over the past decade and criticized the lack of legal action.
“The BJP is trying to divert attention from Adani’s issues by sensationalizing the Soros connection,” she remarked.
BJP Pushes Back with Accusations Against Congress
The debate intensified in Parliament as BJP President JP Nadda accused Congress of connections to George Soros and his foundation.
“The Opposition is trying to bring instability in the country. What is the relationship between George Soros and Congress?” Nadda questioned.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi dismissed these claims as “ridiculous,” labeling them an attempt to sidestep the Adani issue.
“They are talking about some 1994 thing; no one knows what they are talking about. They just want to avoid discussing the Adani issue,” she said.
Allegations Surrounding DMK’s Link to Adani
Further stirring controversy, Annamalai alleged that DMK leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan, had direct interactions with Adani representatives.
“Chief Minister said in the state assembly yesterday (Tuesday) he did not meet Adani. Even BJP never said Adani met Stalin. Meeting Adani is not a crime. From the beginning, our question is that you (DMK) awarded a contract to Adani,” Annamalai said.
He claimed, “Adani met your son-in-law. On your behalf, your (Stalin’s) personal secretary and private secretary met authorities from Adani. Even last week, they met Adani. Your son-in-law meeting Adani is the same as you meeting Adani. Can you say that your son-in-law did not meet Adani or anyone from Adani?”
Attempts to reach Sabareesan for a response were unsuccessful.
PM Modi Praised for Promoting Tamil Culture
Amid the political exchanges, Annamalai lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to Tamil Nadu’s culture.
“Nobody has done so much for Tamil culture, for Tamil Nadu, than PM Narendra Modi,” he said, highlighting initiatives like hosting a Tamil Chair at Banaras Hindu University and promoting Thiruvalluvar statues worldwide.
Annamalai also noted PM Modi’s recognition of Tamil poet Mahakavi Bharati, stating, “He has honored the Tamil people staying in Delhi by inviting them to his official residence.”
Controversy Over Tamil Nadu’s DIPR Video
Annamalai also condemned Tamil Nadu’s Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) for uploading a distorted map of India in a video about Stalin’s visit to Vaikom.
The map, which appeared to omit parts of Kashmir, sparked outrage. DIPR later removed the video from its official social media account.
Political Tensions Escalate
As the winter session of Parliament progresses, the Adani controversy continues to fuel heated debates.
The BJP and Congress remain locked in accusations, each seeking to undermine the other’s credibility while shifting the focus away from pressing national issues.
Through these exchanges, Annamalai’s defense of Adani, combined with his praise for PM Modi’s cultural initiatives, underscores the BJP’s strategy in Tamil Nadu, aiming to strengthen its position against the DMK-led opposition.
