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Journalism of Courage
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy Monday said his government has declined a Rs 100 crore donation pledged by the Adani Foundation to the Young India Skills University.
The CM said this is keeping in mind the indictment of Gautam Adani in the United States over allegations of bribing Indian government officials for securing “lucrative solar energy supply contracts”.
A letter written by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary and Commissioner for the Industrial Promotion, Industries and Commerce department, to Dr Priti Adani states, “We are thankful to you for committing Rs 100 cr to Young India Skills University on behalf of your Foundation vide your letter dated 18.10.2024. We have so far not asked any of the donors for physical transfer of funds since the University had not received the IT exemption under section 80G. Though this exemption order has now come recently, I have been instructed by Hon’ble Chief Minister not to seek transfer of funds in view of the present circumstances and arising controversies.”
After Adani was indicted in the US, the Telangana government and Chief Minister Reddy came under criticism from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the BJP for continuing to woo the group to invest in the state.
On Monday, he said, “To protect Telangana’s honour and dignity and to avoid any unwanted controversies involving me and my Cabinet colleagues, we have decided to reject Adani’s donation. We have not taken even a single rupee from anyone.”
The development comes against the backdrop of a political row in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Last week, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in the Legislative Assembly that the state government is in possession of the indictment reports, and assured that action would be taken if irregularities are found.
Reacting to some NDA members demanding action against former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu said the allegations against the previous YSRCP government have hurt the brand image of Andhra Pradesh. “It is sad. Our prestige has been hurt,” he said.
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