The Congress party Monday strongly criticized the Bihar government’s decision to lease 1,050 acres of land to Gautam Adani’s company for a power plant at a token rent of Re one per year for 33 years.
Congress media cell Chairman Pawan Khera alleged that the move is a clear example of favoritism towards Adani by the BJP-led government.
Addressing a press conference, Khera remarked, “Sari Khudai ek taraf, aur Gautam Bhai ek taraf,” highlighting the disparity in the treatment of farmers and Adani. He alleged that the land was arbitrarily taken away from villagers and farmers in Bhagalpur district, and the project would lead to the cutting of about 10 lakh trees, including mango and other fruit trees.
Khera also questioned the highly exorbitant tariff of Rs 6.075 per unit for power generated from this plant, compared to Rs 3-4 per unit in other states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. “This is double loot as first they looted and robbed people of their land and then they will be looting the same people with exorbitant power tariff,” he said.
The Congress leader pointed out a consistent pattern of the BJP favoring Adani with power plants ahead of elections, citing examples from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. “Whenever the BJP senses defeat, they rush to favor Adani,” Khera alleged, adding that the people of Bihar are already alert and will not let the BJP steal the elections.
Khera also claimed that villagers were placed under house arrest ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bihar to prevent them from protesting against the project.