The revelation by NCP leader Ajit Pawar about billionaire Gautam Adani’s presence at a 2019 meeting between the BJP and the NCP has sent ripples through the already heated political climate in Maharashtra. The casual mention in an interview with journalist Sreenivasan Jain has sparked intense scrutiny, raising critical questions about the intersection of business and politics in India. Was this an accidental disclosure or a calculated political manoeuvre?
Ajit Pawar’s “Slip-Up” or Strategy?
Ajit Pawar’s comment was far from innocuous. In his attempt to justify his 2019 decision to ally briefly with the BJP, Ajit disclosed that the meeting, which included BJP’s Amit Shah and his uncle Sharad Pawar, was hosted by Gautam Adani. This bombshell immediately triggered a political storm, with opposition parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress questioning Adani’s role in political negotiations.
Was Ajit Pawar’s statement a genuine slip-up, or was it a deliberate attempt to deflect criticism from himself by implicating Sharad Pawar? His claim that Sharad Pawar was not only aware of but actively involved in the talks seems like an effort to shift blame. However, by dragging Adani’s name into the conversation, he inadvertently amplified the controversy, leading to new questions about the businessman’s influence in political decision-making.
A Meeting Shrouded in Controversy
Sharad Pawar, in his response to the uproar, confirmed the meeting and its venue—Adani’s residence—but clarified that the industrialist merely hosted the gathering and was not an active participant. According to him, the primary agenda of the meeting was the legal troubles faced by NCP leaders. Pawar claimed that BJP leaders had hinted that these cases could be resolved if the NCP aligned with the BJP. While Sharad Pawar maintained that he was sceptical of such promises, his presence at the meeting has left his allies and adversaries questioning his motives.
This raises the critical question: why was Adani’s home chosen as the venue for such a politically charged meeting? Sharad Pawar’s explanation—that he has known Adani for decades—does little to quell suspicions. The optics of a high-profile businessman hosting a political negotiation involving one of India’s most influential parties and a regional heavyweight has reinforced allegations of crony capitalism.
Adani’s Alleged Role in BJP’s Alliances
Sources suggest this wasn’t the only instance where Adani acted as a mediator for the BJP. Allegedly, the industrialist also attempted to repair the BJP’s fractured relationship with the Shiv Sena. Reports indicate that Adani met Uddhav Thackeray in a bid to broker peace. However, the talks collapsed when Thackeray demanded a public apology from BJP leaders—an ultimatum the BJP was unwilling to meet.
These revelations have fueled speculation that Adani’s role extends beyond business into the realm of political power-brokering. Opposition parties, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT), have been quick to seize on these claims, with MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioning whether Adani is an “authorized negotiator” for the BJP. This narrative aligns with longstanding opposition allegations that the Modi government functions as a “corporate-friendly regime.”
Sharad Pawar’s Balancing Act
Sharad Pawar’s political acumen has rarely been in doubt, but his explanations in this instance appear less convincing. His insistence that the meeting was purely a response to his colleagues’ legal woes does not explain why Adani’s residence was deemed suitable for such discussions. Moreover, by admitting to his presence at the meeting, Pawar risks alienating his allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Interestingly, while the Congress has been vocal in criticising Adani’s proximity to the BJP, it has refrained from attacking Sharad Pawar. This strategic silence underscores the fragile unity of the MVA, where internal disagreements could weaken their opposition to the BJP-Mahayuti alliance.
By alleging that his actions were sanctioned by Sharad Pawar, Ajit has added fuel to the ongoing power struggle within the NCP between his faction and the one led by Sharad Pawar.
For the BJP, the controversy has mixed implications. While it underscores their ability to influence regional politics, the association with Adani might bolster the opposition’s narrative of crony capitalism. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are likely to use these revelations as ammunition in the upcoming elections, portraying the BJP as prioritising corporate interests over governance.
The Bigger Picture: Business and Politics
While corporate lobbying is not uncommon in democracies, the perception that a businessman like Adani could wield influence over political alliances is troubling. It raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the erosion of the boundaries between economic and political power.
For Adani, the controversy adds to the growing scrutiny he faces, both domestically and internationally. His proximity to the ruling dispensation has been a recurring theme in political discourse, and these allegations will likely intensify calls for greater regulation of corporate-political interactions.
