Adani’s expanding footprint underscores role in India’s growth story amid opposition rift

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 14, 2025

In a striking testament to India’s evolving political economy, the Adani Group has emerged as a key player in the country’s development journey — transcending political lines and exposing deepening rifts within the opposition-led INDIA bloc.

The recent meeting between Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has further underscored this dynamic. Soren, representing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) — a constituent of the INDIA bloc — chose pragmatism over partisanship by actively seeking Adani’s investments in the mineral-rich yet development-starved state. Their discussion on infrastructure, mining, renewable energy, and industrial development highlights a vision to unlock Jharkhand’s economic potential and create sustainable job opportunities.

This engagement signals a broader trend: a growing number of non-BJP chief ministers — such as Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), M.K. Stalin (Tamil Nadu), and even former Congress leaders like Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) and Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan) and BJD spremo Naveen Patnaik (Odisha) — have welcomed Adani’s investments, placing development over political dogma.

The Congress party, however, remains entrenched in its opposition to the Adani Group. Its relentless attacks — largely spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi — appear increasingly isolated and politically ineffective. Despite consistent rhetoric, Gandhi’s criticisms have failed to gain traction, with the Congress facing repeated electoral setbacks. His allegations often lack substantive evidence and ignore the tangible economic value created by Adani’s investments across India.

Ironically, even Congress-ruled states such as Telangana are engaging the Adani Group to boost their economies. The group’s wide-ranging projects across sectors like ports, logistics, green energy, and industrial zones have become vital pillars of regional development in states both governed by and opposed to the BJP.

This dissonance within the INDIA bloc underscores its ideological fragility. As regional leaders prioritize economic progress, the Congress’ ideological rigidity risks alienating allies and undermining the opposition’s collective credibility. Moreover, its stance of aligning with foreign narratives to discredit Indian enterprises has drawn criticism for potentially jeopardizing national economic interests and deterring global investors.

Unfazed by political noise, the Adani Group continues to focus on India’s long-term aspirations. With a sharp focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and digital transformation, the conglomerate is actively contributing to the realization of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s $5 trillion economy vision and the broader “Viksit Bharat 2047” goal.

In essence, Adani’s cross-party collaborations reflect a decisive shift in Indian polity — where development, not division, is becoming the common denominator. The group’s growing presence in opposition-ruled states affirms its integral role in powering India’s economic rise, reinforcing the notion that national progress transcends political boundaries.