Self-proclaimed “independent investigative journalist” or more like leftist-funded propagandist Ravi Nair wrote a post on 6 November 2025 on his X handle, that misrepresented Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited’s (APSEZ) financial disclosures. Nair claimed that the company’s ₹5,000 crore non-convertible debenture (NCD) issue involved opaque related-party transactions, citing excerpts from a May 2025 regulatory filing.

After backlash, he deleted the post.

What Actually Happened?

The controversy began when Nair posted a screenshot of a financial document from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, along with the comment, “This is exactly what we said in our last story in WaPo. Did we say anything wrong? I rest the case here for the time being ;)”

The document in question was a statutory filing detailing the utilization of proceeds from a ₹5,000 crore Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) issue. Nair’s implication was that the company had acted opaquely, using the newly raised funds simply to repay other loans from banks like State Bank of India and Yes Bank.

The table, however, showed that the NCD proceeds were utilized for standard debt refinancing and short-term loan repayments including ₹2,943.73 crore to State Bank of India and ₹1,546 crore to Yes Bank in May and June 2025 – all in compliance with the stated purpose outlined in the company’s official documents.

Adani Group CFO Response

The narrative was swiftly challenged by Adani Group Chief Financial Officer, Jugeshinder Singh. Singh clarified that the use of funds for “repayment/refinancing of existing debt” was not only explicitly listed as a primary objective in the very document Nair cited but was also a standard and legitimate corporate financial practice aimed at managing debt maturity profiles.

This is why @t_d_h_nair is a proud member of “Modern day Moron” club. What he is not telling you is this:https://t.co/iT75lkvMc9

If you ever took commerce stream in 10+2 system (ie grade 11 in school), you woudl know. Ravi does not understand elementary cash management. That… https://t.co/6fF2rdDzDH

— Jugeshinder Robbie Singh (@jugeshinder) November 6, 2025

Faced with this factual rebuttal, Nair silently deleted the tweet. He has not issued a public correction or apology for the initial post.

A Lesson in Corporate Finance

Financial experts explain that the document Nair shared clearly outlined three permissible uses for the funds: (a) debt repayment/refinancing, (b) general corporate purposes, and (c) capital expenditure. By using the funds to repay shorter-term bank facilities, Adani Ports was operating squarely within the legally disclosed parameters—a common strategy for companies seeking to extend debt maturities or optimize their capital structure.

Netizen Response

Netizens trashed Nair’s understanding of economics, numbers, finance and called out his lack of understanding of basic 11th standard commerce.

Ravi Nair ko balance sheet de do, woh scandal bana dega.@washingtonpost ko de do, woh “global exposé” likh dega.

Ignorance ka global supply chain ready hai. https://t.co/4QEQQky8Z1 pic.twitter.com/4kwkrWOi2C

— Facts (@BefittingFacts) November 6, 2025

Imagine failing 11th-grade commerce, then waking up one day and writing opinion pieces on global finance.
That’s Ravi Nair. And Washington Post, they called it journalism https://t.co/eHQynk39eL

— Rosy (@rose_k01) November 6, 2025

Finance ka gyaan Ravi Nair se lena is like learning driving from a guy who’s never seen a steering wheel.@washingtonpost publishes his confusion like it’s gospel truth. https://t.co/YT0vr7NZkD pic.twitter.com/zb6qaEmyuU

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) November 6, 2025

“Ravi Nair reads a financial statement like a chef reads a circuit diagram, zero clue, full confidence,” quipped one user, summarizing the sentiment of many.

Ravi Nair reads a financial statement like a chef reads a circuit diagram, zero clue, full confidence.
And @WashingtonPost happily prints it as ‘investigative journalism.’

And he deleted the tweet when called for. Together, they’ve turned ignorance into an editorial policy https://t.co/UNCc3oQqEe

— The Analyzer (News Updates) (@Indian_Analyzer) November 6, 2025

Nair & Adani – Not The First Time

This is not the first time that Nair has targeted the Adani group. In October 2025, Nair published a propaganda piece in Washington Post claiming a ₹33,000 crore ($3.9 billion) LIC “bailout” for the Adani Group has drawn sharp criticism in India for alleged factual distortion and bias. LIC and government officials dismissed the claim as baseless, clarifying that the transaction was a routine, AAA-rated bond subscription within regulatory norms.

Former LIC chairman Siddhartha Mohanty called the story a “misleading narrative,” noting LIC’s independent decision-making and strong financials, including ₹48,151 crore profit in FY 2024–25. Critics argued the report reflects a recurring anti-India pattern in The Washington Post’s coverage, noting that all its 2024 Pulitzer finalists centered on negative portrayals of India. Reporter Pranshu Verma, who co-authored those stories, also wrote the Adani-LIC piece.

Observers saw such narratives as geopolitically motivated attempts to undermine India’s economic rise.

Nair has faced multiple defamation suits for earlier pieces in The Guardian, Frontline, and The Wire, accused of recycling debunked claims and amplifying foreign-funded anti-India narratives linked to groups like OCCRP and Hindenburg. Critics say his work aligns with Western short-sellers and political actors seeking to damage India’s economic reputation. From false EVM claims to sensationalized Adani “exposés,” Nair has become emblematic of what many describe as propaganda journalism – reckless, inaccurate, and driven by ideology rather than fact.

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Ahmedabad witnessed a landmark moment for Indian golf with the launch of the Adani-PGTI Golf Training Academy at the Belvedere Golf & Country Club. The initiative, a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), aims to elevate golf’s presence in India and cultivate a new generation of global champions.

Adding to the excitement, the Adani Group also announced its entry into Indian professional golf with the launch of the ‘Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025′. Cricket legend Kapil Dev, who attended the launch event, lauded the Adani Group’s commitment to promoting golf and other sports in India. In his address, he emphasised the importance of corporate support in nurturing sporting talent and broadening the accessibility of non-cricketing disciplines.

“Most of the time, we see focus on cricket, but it makes me very happy that you are giving time to other sports like golf. Every tournament is a boost to the game,” Kapil Dev said. “Tournaments bring in good people, attract top companies, and that’s what we need to grow the sport.” Drawing a parallel with cricket, Kapil Dev highlighted how academies play a crucial role in shaping future stars. “Why do we go to good schools and colleges? Because they produce top students. The same applies to sports. If there are quality academies in every city, we will create good golfers just like we have produced great cricketers.”

The Adani-PGTI Golf Training Academy aims to provide world-class infrastructure and coaching to aspiring golfers, offering them a platform to develop their skills at a professional level. With training facilities in Ahmedabad, the initiative seeks to make golf more accessible and nurture young talents across the country. Kapil Dev also stressed the importance of hosting large-scale tournaments and grassroots events to encourage young players. “If there are more tournaments for children, parents will feel motivated to push them towards the sport. That’s the future – creating opportunities through well-equipped ranges and practice grounds,” he added.

–IANS

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Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday hailed the courage of a wheelchair-bound employee who attempted adventure sport bungee jumping in Rishikesh.

Bungee jumping is an adventure sport where a person jumps from a great height while tied to a large rope. The Adani Group Chairman lauded Kay Mehta’s willpower for indulging in the sport while in a wheelchair.

He called Mehta an inspiration for millions of people with and without disability. “Most people do it for the thrill. Kay Mehta, our own Adanian, did it to make a statement,” Gautam Adani, shared in a post on social media platform X. “From the heights of Rishikesh, strapped in his wheelchair, Kay took a leap that told the world: no odds, no fear, can stop willpower. Kay, you don’t just inspire us – you redefine what it means to be an Adanian. Hum Karke Dikhate Hain #HKKDH,” the Adani Group Chairman said.

Notably, ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ is a media campaign launched by the Adani Group in May 2023. Developed by Ogilvy India, the campaign is called ‘Hum mushkilo ki nahi sunte, karke dikhate hai’ (Undeterred by challenges, we deliver on our commitments). It highlights the Adani Group’s “resilience, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of overcoming obstacles to build world-class infrastructure, both in India and abroad”, as per the company.

The latest in the campaign series is the narrative-driven film ‘Journey of Dreams’, which was released early in March. Highlighting the transformative power of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, the film pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ of today’s India and Indians, showcasing unwavering determination.

The film emphasises how Adani Ports enables businesses, both large and small, to thrive by providing seamless connectivity and world-class facilities, according to the company. In December last year, the company’s advertisement on wind turbines and renewable energy took the internet by storm. The 1.30-minute video, with the tagline ‘Pehle Pankha Aayega, Phir Bijli Aayegi’, takes the viewers by surprise and also goes on to illustrate how clean energy can light up lives, without polluting the environment.

–IANS

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The Adani Group’s defence company, Adani Defence and Aerospace, on Thursday, released the short film “Hifaazat Ki Hifaazat Mein” as a tribute to the country’s soldiers.

The film begins with a mother and child, symbolising the need for one’s own hands and eyes for protection, highlights how a mother protects her child, just as soldiers protect the nation, and goes on to emphasise India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It conveys that this advancement is meant to ensure peace and security.

It then explains how this philosophy has led to the strengthening of India’s defence sector, blending new learnings with experience. The film describes this protection as essential for peace, just like the embrace of a mother. The message of self-reliance is also a key theme in the film, stating that what India builds is truly its own.

Sharing the film on social media platform X, Adani Defence and Aerospace wrote that innovation is driven by curiosity, experience, and courage. The company emphasised its commitment to equipping soldiers with advanced technology, as protecting those who safeguard the nation is its promise. Jeet Adani, Director at Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), also shared the film on X, stating that there is no greater duty than protecting those who protect the nation.

He added that “Hifaazat Ki Hifaazat Mein” is a tribute to India’s defenders and reflects the collective commitment to a strong and secure nation. “There’s no greater duty than protecting those who protect us. #HifaazatKiHifaazatMein is our tribute to India’s defenders, reinforcing our shared commitment to a stronger, secure nation,” he said.

Earlier, during a visit to the Adani Defence and Aerospace plant in Kanpur, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani had stated that his company aims to push new boundaries to contribute to a stronger and self-reliant India. Adani Defence and Aerospace is among the leading companies in the country’s defence and aerospace manufacturing sector. The company is dedicated to making India a global hub for defence production.

–IANS

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In a special engagement ahead of International Women’s Day, the Adani Group welcomed a delegation of women ambassadors from nine nations to the conglomerate’s projects in Khavda and Mundra, both in Gujarat, where they witnessed India’s strides in clean energy, infrastructure and industrial development.

The delegation first visited Khavda, a remote site in western India’s arid Kutch district, where Adani Green Energy, the largest renewables company in India, is developing the world’s largest clean energy plant.

Spanning an area five times the size of Paris, the 30 GW solar and wind energy project will play a critical anchor role in meeting India’s rising energy demands with clean, affordable and reliable power.

The ambassadors saw firsthand how the renewables project is integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable development, including the Energy Network Operations Centre (ENOC) overseen by women engineers.

At Mundra Port, India’s largest commercial port handling nearly 11 per cent of the country’s maritime cargo and 33 per cent of its container traffic, the women ambassadors explored the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in the Mundra Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where global players are investing in advanced manufacturing. They also visited Adani’s state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant, a key project in India’s push for self-reliance in renewable energy.

Across these facilities, the ambassadors met women professionals and engineers contributing to India’s industrial, economic and energy transformation, underlining the growing role of women in shaping the country’s future. The delegation comprised: * Ina Krisnamurthi – Ambassador of Indonesia to India * Diana Mickeviciene – Ambassador of Lithuania to India * Ana Taban – Ambassador of Moldova to India * Sena Latif – Ambassador of Romania to India, Nepal and Bangladesh * Lalatiana Accouche – High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles to India * Lebohang Valentine Mochaba – High Commissioner of Lesotho to India * Marje Luup – Ambassador of Estonia to India * Mateja Vodeb Ghosh – Ambassador of Slovenia to India * Peggy Frantzen – Ambassador of Luxembourg to India

–IANS

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Hindenburg Research, the US-based investment firm known for its aggressive short-selling strategies, has officially shut down. Founder Nate Anderson announced the decision on 15 January 2024, stating that the firm had completed its pipeline of investigative projects, including its high-profile reports targeting Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his conglomerate. Anderson plans to step away from the high-pressure world of financial research to focus on personal pursuits, including spending time with his family and investing in low-stress opportunities.

A Personal Note From Our Founderhttps://t.co/OOMtimC0gV

— Hindenburg Research (@HindenburgRes) January 15, 2025

The firm gained significant attention in India after its 2023 reports accused the Adani Group of financial misconduct, leading to a massive selloff of the conglomerate’s shares and wiping out billions of dollars in market value. Although the Adani Group vehemently denied the allegations and managed to recover most of its losses, the reports left a lasting impact on its reputation and stock performance.

In addition to its allegations against the Adani Group, Hindenburg Research also targeted Madhabi Puri Buch, the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). In 2024, the firm accused Buch and her husband, Daval Buch, of having ties to offshore funds allegedly linked to the Adani Group. These claims were strongly denied by the Buchs, who labeled them as “malicious and manipulative.” The allegations against SEBI’s chairperson further intensified the controversy surrounding Hindenburg’s activities in India, raising questions about its motives and methods.

Hindenburg Research’s closure comes at a politically sensitive time, just before the end of President Biden’s term and ahead of the upcoming US presidential election. The timing has raised eyebrows, especially as the firm faced increasing scrutiny over its methods and motivations. Notably, a Republican Congressman recently urged the US Department of Justice to preserve all documents related to investigations involving Adani and his companies, adding to the controversy surrounding Hindenburg’s activities.

Anderson did not cite a specific reason for the shutdown but reflected on the personal toll of his career, acknowledging that the intense focus on his work had come at the expense of other aspects of his life. He expressed a desire to step back, pursue hobbies, and spend more time with his fiancée and their child. Anderson also mentioned that he had accumulated sufficient wealth to ensure financial security and would now focus on low-stress investments like index funds.

As for his team, Anderson plans to support their transition into new roles. Some members are expected to start their own research firms, while others may explore different career paths. Anderson praised his former colleagues as talented and easy to work with, expressing confidence in their future endeavors.

Hindenburg Research’s legacy is marked by its controversial reports targeting companies worldwide, including the Adani Group, Ebix Inc., Wags Capital, and Tingo Group. While the firm positioned itself as a watchdog exposing corporate misconduct, critics have often accused it of using its reports to manipulate markets for financial gain.

(With inputs from Economic Times)

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The Congress party came under sharp criticism from many quarters on Wednesday over its repeated accusations against the Adani Group, over indictment of India’s leading conglomerated in the United States. This backlash against Congress followed the Adani Group clarification, denying all the bribery allegations made by the US authorities against its founder Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain.

Many BJP leaders hit back at the Congress party, accusing it of working against India’s growth story and also “spreading fake news” about Indian industrialists with a motive to “mislead the public.”

Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being a “brand ambassador of anti-India forces.”

“Rahul Gandhi does not oppose Adani or Ambani; he opposes India’s development. He has become a spokesperson for anti-India entities, including those led by George Soros, who dictate his agenda. They aim to disrupt India’s capital markets and FDI flow,” Vallabh stated.

“Rahul Gandhi is playing into the hands of foreign powers who want to harm India’s growth story. Millions of middle-class Indians rely on investments in the capital market for their future dreams, and Rahul Gandhi wants to shatter these aspirations,” he further added. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) spokesperson Manisha Kayande also criticised the Congress, alleging that it targets Indian industrialists to undermine the BJP-led government. “Rahul Gandhi and his associates focus on Adani and Ambani only to target the industrialists and bring bad name to the country. During the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, they gave contracts to these industrialists, and now they question us,” she said.

Kayande cited past incidents under the MVA government, such as the placement of explosives near the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, as evidence of “mishandling.” She claimed such actions had driven industries away from Maharashtra to Gujarat. Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel also accused opposition parties of aligning with foreign powers to weaken India.

“Our nation is on the path to becoming the third-largest economy, but Congress and its allies are trying to derail this progress. They target Indian businessmen to serve their agenda of weakening India,” Patel told IANS.

“Time and again, they travel abroad and speak the language of our enemies, siding with foreign adversaries. They target businessmen like Adani and other industrialists, but their sole aim is to weaken India and bring down PM Modi,” he added. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari echoed similar sentiments, calling Congress “anti-progress and anti-India.”

In a video message on X, he accused the party of collaborating with international entities like George Soros to propagate false narratives. “The Congress party is against the Indian growth story. The Congress party against the Indian wealth creators. The Congress party knows that if India becomes the third largest economy, the party and its evil forces across the borders will have an issue,” he said. “This is why Soros and the Congress party always try to plant fake news and fake agenda against Indian wealth creators. The latest Adani episode, in which it is now clear that the bribery charges were not against the Adani group, is yet another example of whether it is Hindenburg, whether it is Rafael, and now the Adani. The Congress party’s intentions are evil,” he said.

Bhandari said that Congress only aims to “spread fake news, hurt the Indian growth story. This is why we say Congress is anti-progress, anti-people, anti-India.”

–IANS

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In a startling revelation, senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani has claimed a potential Chinese connection behind Hindenburg Research’s damaging report on the Adani Group, which led to a significant decline in the conglomerate’s share prices. Jethmalani, through a series of social media posts, implicated American businessman Mark Kingdon and his wife Anla Cheng in orchestrating the adverse report.

The Allegations

The disclosures implicated Kingdon Capital, which purportedly collaborated with Kotak Mahindra Bank to short-sell Adani stocks. Hindenburg’s response to SEBI revealed that Hindenburg and Kingdon Capital teamed up to execute a strategic plan against the Adani Group, profiting from the short-selling of its stocks.

Commissioning Of The Report

Hindenburg Research, a well-known short-selling research agency, was allegedly hired by Mark Kingdon to compile a report on the Adani Group. This report, once published, resulted in a steep fall in Adani’s share prices.

Who Is Kingdon?

Mark Kingdon, the founder and owner of Kingdon Capital, a US-based investment firm managing approximately $623 million in assets. His “philanthropic efforts” include supporting organizations like Harlem Children’s Zone, which aids underprivileged children, and the China Institute, which promotes Chinese culture.

Alleged Role of Kotak Mahindra

Kingdon reportedly approached Kotak Mahindra’s International Investment arm (KMIL) to set up an offshore fund and accounts specifically for trading in Adani shares. This led to the creation of the Kotak India Opportunity Fund (KIOF), which took substantial short positions in Adani shares via the Mauritius route before the Hindenburg report was published. The trade was financed by $40 million from Kingdon’s Master Fund, in which the Kingdon family holds significant shares, including his wife Anla Cheng.

Anla Cheng’s Alleged Chinese Connections

Anla Cheng, a Chinese American, has been described by Jethmalani as an influential lobbyist for Chinese interests in the United States. She was the CEO of SupChina, a media initiative accused of subversion in favor of Chinese interests. After a whistleblower’s testimony before the U.S. Congress, SupChina rebranded as The China Project, which later shut down amid allegations of having ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The whistleblower Shannon Van Sant in her statement claimed that Cheng pushed her to produce journalism favorable to China.

She also stated that Cheng instructed Van Sant to promote a book by Peter Walker, an American consultant favored by Chinese state media. Additionally, Cheng informed the staff about a tip from the China Association for Science and Technology regarding a Chinese scientist allegedly being wrongly investigated in the U.S. Cheng told her staff, “We have to protect him.” Van Sant believed that Cheng’s instructions were influenced by her connections with Chinese organizations and interests. Van Sant was fired the same day she expressed discomfort about Cheng’s instructions, which she felt compromised journalistic integrity.Cheng’s push to promote certain content was also linked to fundraising efforts, aiming to gain support from donors and readers.

For those who want to learn about accomplished #Chinese spy #AnlaCheng who along with her husband #MarkKingdon hired #Hindenburg for a research report on #Adani, engaged the services of Kotak to facilitate a trading account to short sell Adani shares; who made millions of dollars… pic.twitter.com/XhA9lfMFE2

— Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM) July 5, 2024

Key Questions And Concerns

Jethmalani raised several pressing issues that he believes need thorough investigation:

– How the Kingdons were introduced to KMIL? What due diligence was conducted by KMIL regarding the Kingdons, and whether KMIL participated in the short sell as a principal?

– Were Indian politicians, businessmen, and financial intermediaries who assisted Hindenburg in preparing and publishing the report were aware of the short-selling motives and whether they benefitted financially from this scheme?

– Did KMIL and the involved Indian actors knew about the alleged Chinese connection behind Hindenburg?

The allegations suggest that the Kingdons, particularly Anla Cheng, with her purported connections to Chinese lobbying efforts, orchestrated a significant financial maneuver to undermine the Adani Group. Jethmalani accused them of not only eroding the market cap of Adani but also financially devastating numerous Indian retail investors. He insinuated that these actions were designed to advance Chinese strategic interests by crippling an Indian corporate competitor that had outperformed Chinese state enterprises in various international projects.

Jethmalani emphasized the need for SEBI to scrutinize the connections and financial transactions involved, particularly the roles of KMIL and other Indian participants in the short-selling strategy.

Here’s a huge smoking gun in the sordid episode of the short sale of #Adani shares by #Hindenburg. Pursuant to #SEBI's notice to Hindenburg, the following facts emerge:
1. Hindenburg – a research agency – was hired by American businessman #MarkKingdon to prepare a report on the… https://t.co/yar0uEuarm

— Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM) July 4, 2024

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There seems to be a black moon rising for TMC MP Mahua Moitra and financial journalist Sucheta Dalal. The trouble has now mounted for both as Moitra is now neck-deep in a cash-for-queries scam after businessman Darshan Hiranandani turned approver and admitted to paying her cash and luxury gifts in exchange for specific questions he wanted her to ask in the Lok Sabha. 

Darshan Hiranandani’s statement also mentions Sucheta Dalal, a well-known Indian financial journalist and the Managing Editor of Moneylife, a financial news and information platform. She had shot to fame after she broke the Harshad Mehta Scam in 1992.

Ironically, the investigative journalist who had once reported on financial scams and corporate frauds finds herself embroiled in a scam. 

Darshan Hiranandani in his signed affidavit to the CBI had said, “Ms Moitra, in her endeavour, was getting help from other people like Sucheta Dalal, Shardul Shroff and Pallavi Shroff, who were also in touch with her, and who were feeding her with all kinds of unverified information relating to Sh. Gautam Adani and his companies. Clearly, there were others who were also assisting her in this targeted attack.”

He basically accused Sucheta Dalal of working with Mahua Moitra to tarnish the reputation of Gautam Adani.

Popular OSINT handle ‘The Hawk Eye’ has pointed out that ‘MoneyLife’ portal, a supposed news outlet co-founded by Sucheta Dalal, had published more than 50 articles targeting businessman Gautam Adani and the Indian conglomerate ‘Adani Group.’

Sucheta Dalal, founder of MoneyLife portal, has published more than 50 articles targeting industrialist Gautam Adani between Jan to Oct'23.

Hiranandani named Dalal & group for running targeted campaign against Adani.#CashForQueryScam.#MahuaMoitraExposed pic.twitter.com/U6TvI9ORQl

— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) October 19, 2023

‘The HawkEye’ pointed out a normative pattern in the headlines of articles published by the news portal against Gautam Adani. ‘MoneyLife’ frequently relies on unsubstantiated questions raised by the Congress party to target the Adani group. In fact, Dalal’s portal ‘Money Life’ has a section dedicated to the Indian conglomerate and said it acted more like a mouthpiece of the Congress Party.

Prominent-business-journalist Sucheta Dalal's portal – MoneyLife, acts more of a mouthpiece of Congress.

These are a dozen headlines starting with "Congress Asks 3 Questions on Adani….."

If you see a pattern, it's a campaign!#CashForQueryScam#MahuaMoitraExposed pic.twitter.com/zXAbuXreS2

— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) October 19, 2023

After it emerged that Sucheta Dalal was involved in posing questions to Mahua Moitra, the former denied the same.

In fact, in a tweet, Dalal claimed, “The very fact that he has named me makes this whole letter and his ‘solemn’ statements a farce — I don’t know Mahua Moitra and I think she can confirm it. The question of helping her simply does not arise, NOR did she EVER reach out and ask for any help either!”

Dear @bhupendrachaube — the very fact that he has named me makes this whole letter and his 'solemn' statements a farce — I don't know @MahuaMoitra – and I think she can confirm it. The question of helping her simply does not arise, NOR did she EVER reach out and ask for any… https://t.co/YEsXTTFLNt

— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) October 19, 2023

To counter the serious accusation, Sucheta Dalal in a tweet said, “This is completely stupefying — I do not know @MahuaMoitra personally at all – I may have retweeted some of her stuff. I don’t know Pallavi Shroff and I used to know #ShardulShroff long ago. I dare anyone to find any links between me and them. Requesting IT minister @Rajeev_GoI to help me get to the bottom of it @AshwiniVaishnaw also please help. This is one time the govt ought to help prevent this kind of slander by some crooks!!“

This is completely stupefying — I do not know @MahuaMoitra personally at all – I may have retweeted some of her stuff. I don't know Pallavi Shroff and I used to know #ShardulShroff long ago. I dare anyone to find any links between me and them. Requesting IT minister @Rajeev_GoI… https://t.co/uwJ5JymOc3

— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) October 19, 2023

But this was countered immediately by defense analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra who sent out a tweet where it was as clear as day that Sucheta Dalal was in touch with Mahua Mahua despite denials.

On 27 February 2023, Suchet Dalal had shared an article of Business Standard about the Essar Group forming the ‘Essar Energy Transition’. 

In her X post, Sucheta Dalal asked if any MP would be willing to raise question in Parliament about recovery of loan write offs to Essar Group entities. 

Also proof that @suchetadalal was in direct contact with Mahua despite denials. Tweet linked here. Someone archive this fast. https://t.co/H2AQYclgwH https://t.co/gEbz55b2Ck pic.twitter.com/aCAgGjHkxL

— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) October 19, 2023

Responding to Sucheta Dalal’s tweet, Mahua replied “Send me info on this please Sucheta. Thanks” to which Sucheta said “Will do”.

This is in direct contradiction to what Sucheta Dalal had claimed in her recent tweet, that she never knew Mahua Moitra nor had she interacted with the TMC MP. 

However, after her conversation with Mahua was exposed she is still in denial of having known her or sent her any information. She said that Essar had filed a criminal case against her for a column she wrote for Indian Express and named on Ravi Muthreja for bringing her name into the current case. She alleged that Ravi Muthreja was moonlighting with Essar and Adani Groups and believes him to be the reason for dragging her name in to the current controversy.

This tweet exchange is being bandied as proof I know @MahuaMoitra. Some facts. 1) I did not send any information 2) this is about #Essar among the largest wilful defaulters who had filed a criminal case against me when I wrote for @IndianExpress 3) common factor between #Essar… https://t.co/wP7WoUywtR

— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) October 20, 2023

The post Mahua Moitra Cash For Query Scam: Sucheta Dalal Claims She Never Knew Moitra Nor Interacted With Her, But Her Tweets Show Otherwise appeared first on The Commune.

In a stunning revelation, BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey levelled serious allegations against Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra saying she took cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask specific questions in the Parliament.

Based on a letter written to him by one advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, Nishikant Dubey revealed that 50 out of 61 questions raised by TMC MP Mahua Moitra were allegedly aimed to protect and promote one company, focused on Hiranandani’s rival business conglomerates like the Adani Group.

Here are some of the questions that the TMC MP allegedly asked on behalf of the Hiranandani Group.

The first question asked by Mahua Moitra in Parliament was in July 2019 regarding Paradip Port which had targeted the MoU between Adani, GAIL, and IOC-H-Energy. It was alleged that a Hiranandani group company was an interested party as it won a bid for the Paradip natural gas pipeline. [PDF of the question]

In her inquiry directed to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Moitra requested clarification on the events surrounding the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) initially entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paradip Port Trust for a gas terminal, a project that was ultimately abandoned in 2015. Additionally, she inquired about the details of GAIL and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) teaming up with a private entity to secure shares in Dhamra Port, which incurred considerably higher costs compared to the Paradip Port initiative.

The ministry communicated to GAIL that they had conducted a feasibility study back in 2012 with the aim of establishing an FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) project on the eastern coast of India. During this study, two potential locations near Dhamra Port and Paradip Port were identified as suitable options. In 2013, an MoU was formally executed with Paradip Port Trust. However, by 2015, it was determined that having two competing LNG terminals in such close proximity would not be financially viable. In 2016, a non-binding MoU was inked involving Adani Petroleum Terminal, Dhamra LNG Terminal, IOCL, and GAIL. It’s important to note that this MoU lapsed in 2018 and did not require any capital expenditure from GAIL and IOCL.

In November 2019, the firebrand MP of TMC asked a question about the service quality of telecom service providers. What must be taken into note is that a Hiranandani company named Yotta hired a Jio executive a day after the question was raised. [PDF of the question]

In her inquiry, she requested the ministry to furnish statistics related to the quality of services provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in India. Specifically, she sought this data for the preceding three years, categorized by state, Union Territory (UT), and TSP. She also inquired about historical records concerning call drop rates and the proportion of calls with satisfactory voice quality, categorized by both TSP and location.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been overseeing telecom service providers by enforcing Quality of Service regulations. They now evaluate the performance of Cellular Mobile Services collectively for a given License Service Area. The ministry has supplied comprehensive statistical information for the past three years.

Again in November 2019, during the winter session, Moitra asked a question regarding the handling capacity of Kolkata Port Trust. At the same time, the Hiranadani group had entered into a MoU with KPT, and therefore, it was an interested party in the matter. [PDF of the question]

She submitted a request to the Ministry of Shipping for a breakdown of the cargo volume and revenue generated by Kolkata Port Trust (KPT), categorized according to the type of cargo. Additionally, she inquired about the strategies that KPT had already implemented or planned to promote the development of the port along the Hooghly waterfront.

In response, the ministry provided information on the revenue and clarified that the conservancy jurisdiction of the Kolkata Port Trust extends up to 45.7 meters from the high-water mark during Spring Tide, although not all of this area is under the ownership of the port trust. The port trust has also established facilities in Haldia, Salukkhali, and Howrah, and it encourages private entities to utilize their riverfront land for shipbreaking activities in Kulpi.

Other questions Moitra asked allegedly Hiranandani Group are…

December 2019, she asked the Ministry of Home Affairs about the check posts alongside the India-Bangladesh border. Hiranandani Group has a significant investment in Bangladesh, making the group an alleged beneficiary in the query. [PDF of the question]

In December 2019, she raised a question regarding the agreement between a private entity, Paradip Port, and GAIL. She questioned if the CVC guidelines were followed for the tendering process and the allegations were repeated in the infamous Hindenburg report. Furthermore, the Hirandani Group has been trying to connect ports on the east coast with Bangladesh. The presence of Adani Group, the private entity, in the area hinders Hiranandani’s plans. [PDF of the question]

In March 2020, Moitra asked another question regarding Kolkata Port Trust while Hiranandani Group has an agreement with the KPT. [PDF of the question]

In February 2021, Moitra asked a question about the progress and 5G readiness in the country. Again, Hiranandani Group’s company Yotta had applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite license, making it an alleged direct beneficiary of the question. [PDF of the question]

In February 2021, the former Goldman Sachs employee asked a question wherein she asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change about the proposed energy codes that directly impacted the construction business of the Hiranandani Group. [PDF of the question]

In July 2021, she again asked the Ministry of Finance about the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) holding stakes in Adani Group companies. That led to the SEBI investigation against the Adani Group and it has been alleged that the questions were asked at the behest of the Hiranandani Group. [PDF of the question]

In July 2021, again Moitra asked a question asking the Minister of New and Renewable Energy about the tenders of the Solar Energy Corporation. Again the question was aimed to benefit Hiranandani Group’s company, Yotta, to power data centers through renewable energy in 2020. [PDF of the question]

In July 2021, Moitra asked the Ministry of Steel about the steps taken by the government to control the prices of steel in the country. This time it has been alleged that it was for the benefit of the Hiranandani Group’s real estate business which wanted a lower steel price. [PDF of the question]

In August 2021, a question was asked by the TMC MP to the Ministry of External Affairs for information on IOC, GAIL, and H-Energy gas pipelines from West Bengal to Bangladesh. Again the Hiranandani Group conglomerate, H-Energy, was an interested party in the pipeline. [PDF of the question]

In August 2021, Moitra asked the Ministry of Civil Aviation about allocating airports to the Adani Group. Again the Hiranandani Group was also interested in airports. [PDF of the question]

As a member of Parliament, Mahua Moitra enjoys a lot of power and has the right to ask questions to the government which is important for a good democracy. However, it has now been alleged that she used her position as an MP to undermine the Adani Group in favor of the Hiranandani Group and in return she received many inducements. 

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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The post Mahua Moitra “Cash For Question Scam”: A Few Of The Questions In Question appeared first on The Commune.