Adani Bribery Charges: Chandrababu Naidu Says No Action Without Concrete Proof

Over a month after allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group and the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration surfaced, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has clarified that no immediate action will be taken without substantial evidence.

Speaking in Vijayawada on Tuesday (31 December 2024), Naidu reiterated his stance, emphasising the need for concrete proof before the state government moves forward with any measures.

"We can't back out of contracts unless concrete proof is available. We will have to pay stiff penalty," Naidu remarked, adding that "Concrete action will be taken if charges are confirmed."

His statements came in response to the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) filings, which alleged bribery to the tune of Rs 1,750 crore aimed at facilitating solar power agreements.

This was Naidu's second public comment on the issue since the allegations first emerged in November.

Earlier on 22 November last year, during a session in the Legislative Assembly, Naidu had termed the allegations "damaging" and pledged action.

At the time, he stated, "More facts are yet to come to light... If there is wrongdoing, action must be taken. That's the only way to ensure the same mistake won't be repeated."

The controversy centres around claims by the US Justice Department that an unnamed Andhra Pradesh official was offered kickbacks to influence state-run power distribution companies into purchasing solar power from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

SECI had signed power purchase agreements for 4,666 Megawatts (MW) with Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) and 2,333 MW with Azure Power. Following Azure’s withdrawal, the capacity was transferred to AGEL.

Naidu on Tuesday likened the bribery allegations to a "laddoo moment", referencing earlier claims of ghee adulteration in Tirupati laddoos, and underscored his administration's focus on credibility.

He remarked, "I don't indulge in vendetta politics. This is the difference between TDP and YSRCP.”

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