New Delhi: Urdu newspapers this week urged the Indian government to conduct a transparent investigation into the bribery charges brought against the Adani Group by US prosecutors. The newspapers emphasised the need for impartiality in the inquiry, warning that the charges could damage India’s image as a growing economy.
In editorials, Siasat, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara and Inquilab also discussed the assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, and bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. Siasat criticised the UP administration for alleged manipulation and irregularities reported during the casting of votes Wednesday.
Inquilab warned that Israel’s stubbornness in seeking Gaza’s land, despite military and political challenges, was unlikely to succeed.
Here’s a wrap of the news and editorials in the Urdu press last week.
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‘India’s image at stake’
On Friday, Siasat in an editorial highlighted allegations by the US Department of Justice against the Adani Group pertaining to bribery and fraud. While these remain unproven, they are significant given the Adani Group’s stature as one of India’s largest business conglomerates with operations spanning several continents.
The allegations include claims of payments to political leaders for support, raising serious concerns that demand an impartial investigation. While accusations against the Adani Group are not new, this is the first instance of such charges originating from a foreign body, potentially impacting India’s global image as a growing economy, said the paper.
It added that the matter requires serious attention. If baseless, the accusing department should clarify. If proven, strict action is necessary. Suspicions of political affiliations must not hinder investigations, which must be transparent to safeguard both India’s reputation and public trust, it advised.
“Irrespective of any bias or affiliation, the investigation must be conducted with complete transparency and impartiality, bringing all facts to light not only before the Indian public but also on global platforms. Since these allegations have been raised at an international level, the global community should also be informed about the findings,” read the editorial.
On Friday, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara also raised similar concerns, accusing businessman Gautam Adani and his group of misleading US investors and bribing Indian officials for solar energy projects.
While Adani denies the charges, if true, they would put in question the group’s corporate ethics and global business transparency. The key issue is why no action has been taken against Adani if the allegations are valid. Is the group’s influence shielding it from legal consequences, asked the paper.
The situation also prompts questions about the group’s government ties, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has linked Adani’s success to support from PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, alleging that investigations have been stalled. This raises doubts about the integrity of Indian institutions, especially when US agencies are involved but no action has been taken in the country against the group, wrote Roznama Rashtriya Sahara.
“If Adani is indeed guilty, why is he not being brought to justice? Does the government have a relationship with the business community that weakens the rule of law?” it asked.
‘Democracy must not be mocked at’
On Thursday, Siasat in an editorial discussed the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly elections and bypolls in UP.
During the recent poll campaigns, various tactics were reportedly used to influence voters, and violations of the election code came to the fore. The UP Police was accused of blocked voters from casting ballots, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population.
Siasat wrote that while efforts are made across India to increase voter turnout, using police force to prevent voting is unacceptable. The police have no right to interfere in the poll process, which is the responsibility of Election Commission (EC) officials. The abuse of power by the police to disrupt the voting process must be addressed, and action should be taken against those involved. Democracy must not be mocked at for political gain, and the EC should intervene to protect the integrity of the process, it said.
On Wednesday, Siasat discussed the intense and aggressive campaigning in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, where it said political parties focused more on negative tactics than addressing key issues and pitted different groups against each other rather than focusing on solutions to people’s problems.
“The entire campaign was driven by a negative mindset, with no one focusing on raising issues in a positive and constructive manner. People must understand that those who spread hypocrisy and hatred in society will not be able to focus on development issues,” it said.
On Tuesday, Siasat said the Congress had focused on addressing public issues and promoted the inclusion of various castes and tribes in development. In contrast, the BJP, it said, used fear tactics and divisive rhetoric to manipulate backward classes for political gain.
Leaders like Modi, (Amit) Shah and (UP Chief Minister Yogi) Adityanath have stoked divisions, while avoiding positive discourse on public issues, it said.
On Monday, Inquilab in an editorial discussed resentment in Maharashtra over party fragmentation, which has angered voters. Voters, including farmers, have expressed frustration with the confusion caused by numerous parties and candidates. Despite efforts to divide society, the public is becoming more aware and resistant to manipulation, it said, calling for political parties to heed these signs and recognise the growing political awareness among the electorate.
‘Israel’s failure’
On Tuesday, Inquilab in an editorial discussed Israel’s ongoing destructive war against Gaza, highlighting the immense human cost, with over 43,000 Palestinian deaths reported, and widespread destruction. Despite this, the Palestinian resistance remains unbroken, it pointed out.
The editorial emphasised on Israel’s failure to crush the Palestinian spirit and noted the global rise in support for Palestine, including protests in US universities and criticism from European leaders like Josep Borrell. Despite setbacks, Israel persists in its goal to seize Gaza’s land. However, challenges like troop shortages and the potential recruitment of foreign nationals may not save (Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government, it said.
“Despite the failure on so many fronts, if Israel persists in stubbornness, just because it wants to seize the land of Gaza by confining the population of Gaza to a corner, it cannot succeed in this conspiracy because the Israeli army obeys the orders of its political masters. Many of its soldiers have served in the war and the shortage of troops is becoming a problem,” wrote Inquilab.
“Reports have surfaced that the Israeli army is planning to invite foreign nationals to join the army, who will be given jobs as well as citizenship. But will such measures save Netanyahu’s ship from sinking?” it asked.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)