Parliament winter session: Adani bribery allegations and Manipur violence take center stage at all-party meeting | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The opposition on Sunday demanded a parliamentary discussion on the bribery allegations leveled by US prosecutors against the Adani Group during the usual all-party meeting ahead of the winter session, which was scheduled to begin on Monday. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, clarified that the agenda for Parliament will be decided by appropriate committees in consultation with the presiding officers of both Houses.
The meeting, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, saw the participation of 42 leaders representing 30 political parties. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju urged all parties to work together for the smooth conduct of the session, scheduled from November 25 to December 20.
The Congress is raising Adani and Manipur issues
Congress’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, described the bribery allegations against Adani as a “scam” and demanded that the matter be taken up on priority. According to US prosecutors, Adani Group companies are alleged to have paid $265 million (Rs 2,200 crore) in bribes to Indian officials for favorable solar energy contracts in four states. The group has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari called for an immediate discussion and highlighted the implications of the issue for India’s economic and security interests. The Opposition also reiterated its demand for a debate on the violence in Manipur, with Gogoi questioning the government’s continued support for Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Andhra parties insist on promises for a reorganization law
BJP allies Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party highlighted unfulfilled obligations under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. TDP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu demanded updates on ongoing projects, including the Polavaram irrigation project, and called for discussions on disaster management in southern cities.
Other concerns and legislative agenda
DMK’s Tiruchi Siva opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Act and urged its withdrawal. Lok Sabha MP Arun Bharti raised the need for flood relief in Bihar and constitutional safeguards for SCs and STs under lateral entry provisions.
The government has lined up 16 bills for consideration during the session, including the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, both pending in the Lok Sabha. Discussions on simultaneous elections are also expected, although no formal proposal has yet been submitted.
The session is expected to witness intense debates, with opposition parties demanding accountability on critical issues affecting the economic, social and political fabric of the country.