Mahayuti Pushed Corporate Cronies’ Interests: Jairam Ramesh
Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, has raised concerns regarding the alleged prioritisation of corporate interests by the Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of disregarding environmental and community welfare. The allegations by the Congress leader come right ahead of November 20 Assembly elections scheduled in the state.
In a statement, Jairam Ramesh highlighted that in November 2023, a major advisor to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was appointed to an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Modi Government. This committee, which evaluates and approves proposals for hydroelectricity projects, including AGEL’s own ventures, has recently come under scrutiny.
In November 2023, a major advisor to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was appointed to one of the Modi Government’s Expert Appraisal Committees (EAC), which approves proposals for hydroelectricity projects, like those made by AGEL. Soon after, in December 2023, residents of more…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 27, 2024
Shortly after this appointment, residents in over a hundred villages in Kolhapur protested against AGEL’s proposed Patgaon Pumped Storage Project, valued at ₹7,000 crore. Ramesh noted that Kolhapur already grapples with low rainfall and limited water resources, and locals are particularly concerned given that no public consultations were held before permission for the project was granted. Villagers fear the project will worsen water scarcity in the region.
According to Jairam Ramesh, three Adani projects have been approved within the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive region. Environmental experts have voiced concerns, stating that officials from the Ministry of Environment have reportedly “selectively interpreted the law” to permit these “red category” projects in the area. Notably, AGEL’s environmental reports themselves predict considerable damage to local forests during construction, yet the projects have been green-lit.
Ramesh criticised the Mahayuti, accusing them of manipulating the legal process for corporate gain. “The Mahayuti has used its stint in power to push corporate cronies’ interests ahead of the wellbeing of Maharashtra’s people and forests,” he asserted, emphasising the detrimental impact this approach could have on both local communities and the environment.
