On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Congress party issued a detailed critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to him as the “non-biological PM” and accusing him of giving a “clean chit to China.”
This criticism follows reports that the Adani Group has established a subsidiary in China to provide project management services. Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, warned that the conglomerate’s investments in China could further jeopardize national security and territorial sovereignty, adding to the list of sacrifices India has made due to Modi’s “special friendships.”
Ramesh condemned Modi’s statement from June 19, 2020, as one of the most damaging ever made by an Indian Prime Minister. He argued that Modi’s declaration undermined the integrity of the Prime Minister’s office and allowed China to deny its infringements and ongoing occupation of Indian territory.
Criticizing the Prime Minister’s China policy, Ramesh described it as “inadequate” and faulted the government for its negligence regarding the risks associated with uncontrolled Chinese imports, investments, and immigration.
Despite the national security threat posed by Chinese soldiers on the borders and within Indian territory, the government’s response has been haphazard, Ramesh noted. He pointed out that while TikTok has been banned, imports from China have surged, causing domestic disruptions.
Ramesh also highlighted that the government has paradoxically expedited visas for Chinese workers in India while promoting Chinese investments. He accused the government of being “asleep at the wheel” even before Adani’s direct investment in China.
Additionally, Ramesh raised concerns about the Adani Group’s previous operations in China and East Asia, pointing to suspicious activities.
He cited the case of Chang Chung-Ling, a Taiwanese businessman who has held director positions in several Adani Group companies. In 2017, a ship owned by Chung-Ling’s family was caught smuggling oil to North Korea, violating UN sanctions. It was revealed that the ship’s operations were partially financed by a firm linked to Shanghai Adani Shopping Company, according to Ramesh.
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