Delhi's political circles are abuzz with the extravaganza at NCP leader Sharad Pawar's 85th birthday dinner. What piqued everyone's interest? The rare presence of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and industrial magnate Gautam Adani in the same room. Curiously, not a single photo of this encounter has surfaced, making it the most talked-about political moment.
Marking his 85th year, Sharad Pawar's daughter, NCP MP Supriya Sule, hosted a grand dinner in Delhi. The guest list was a political tapestry with ruling and opposition figures, central ministers, MPs, and notable industrialists.
Rahul Gandhi Meets Gautam Adani Face-to-Face
According to seasoned journalist and India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, this dinner had the unprecedented spectacle of Rahul Gandhi and Gautam Adani together in a room. Discussed on Lallantop's weekly show 'Netanagri', viewers learned that although these powerhouses were in each other's presence, no one documented the historic moment.
'To Avoid Any Photos Being Taken...'
Journalist Aadesh Rawal speculated whether the two exchanged a handshake or a humble 'namaste.' No official confirmation emerged, yet the narrative suggests a possible handshake. Rawal explained how Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinet quickly intervened, perhaps to ensure no photos were snapped.
Softening Stance on Adani?
Rawal highlighted a recent subtle shift in Congress's approach towards Gautam Adani. The birthday bash also saw Telangana's Chief Minister, Revant Reddy, in attendance. Adani's prior investments in Telangana, once retracted due to political disputes, seemed now welcomed, indicating a realignment in strategy.
The Pawar Family's Political Affair
Rajdeep Sardesai narrates that Supriya Sule annually celebrates Sharad Pawar's birthday, inviting leaders across parties. Notably, the Pawars have reportedly maintained stronger ties with BJP leaders over Congress. This year's twist was the presence of not just politicians, but Gautam Adani himself. While Sharad Pawar sat with Adani, the entry of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra completed the political tableau.
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During personal interactions, Rajdeep remarked on seeing Rahul Gandhi and Gautam Adani's rare public proximity, noting that politicians usually engage privately with industrialists, away from cameras. Yet, Sharad Pawar's candid connections with Adani were never a secret.
BJP Leaders Join the Celebrations
The dinner featured BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, known for challenging Rahul Gandhi in Parliament. This social setting was no exception as Dubey and Gandhi conversed. Also present were Kyren Rijiju, Anurag Thakur, Jayant Panda, Jayant Chaudhary, Neeraj Shekhar, Ajit Pawar, and Praful Patel, once close to Sharad Pawar.
Rahul Seen in Casual Attire
In an interesting juxtaposition, the morning saw heated exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, while the evening had Gandhi in comfortably styled kurta-pajamas at Sharad Pawar's soirée.
Adani and Pawar: A Long-Standing Connection
Rajdeep Sardesai explains that while Gautam Adani is often linked with PM Modi, various politicians paved his industrial path, including Sharad Pawar. The ties go back to Gujarat's leadership under Chimanbhai Patel in the 1990s, inspiring Adani's investments like Mundra Port and fostering relationships with other notable politicians.
Source: aajtak
Rising Criticisms of Adani Group
Rising criticism over the years came to a head when a US investigation in 2024 questioned the Adani Group, sparking Rahul Gandhi's accusations against the central government of favoritism. Congress grappled with its discomfort over Adani's ongoing investments, despite tension within its ranks and allied states.
A U-Turn on a 100-Crore Investment
Following a Congress governance in Telangana, Young India Skills University faced scrutiny when Adani Group pledged 100 crores. The ensuing controversy questioned why Congress accepted funds from a group under who Gandhi criticized. Chief Minister Revant Reddy clarified the government wouldn't accept the donation, reinforcing the stance as Adani Foundation was informed they’d reject the funds, citing unchanged transfer conditions and current political atmospheres.
Politics Plays Out Over Investments
Despite controversies, Adani Group's Telangana investments continue. The recent Telangana Rising Global Summit attracted high-profile attendees including Donald Trump's company and actor Salman Khan. Here, Karan Adani, Gautam Adani's son, announced an ambitious 2500-crore investment to establish a green data center in Hyderabad over the coming three years, focusing on AI and data infrastructure.
