In a major political stir, the Congress party has alleged that the Modi government granted 1,050 acres of land in Bhagalpur, Bihar, to the Adani Group at a nominal cost of ₹1 per year for 33 years. According to the Congress, the land is meant for a 2,400-megawatt thermal power plant in the Pirpainti block of Bhagalpur district. This revelation has raised eyebrows as it comes just before the Bihar assembly elections, adding fuel to the political debate in the state.
Timing Under Question
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera voiced concerns at a press conference, suggesting that the timing of the land allocation may not be coincidental. He pointed out that similar projects were awarded to the Adani Group in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh ahead of elections, implying a pattern of political favouritism.
Khera also claimed that local villagers in Bhagalpur were placed under “house arrest” ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to prevent protests against the deal. While these allegations have attracted media attention, neither the Centre, the Bihar government, nor the Adani Group have issued any immediate response.
Adani’s Mega Power Plan in Bihar
The proposed Adani power project in Bhagalpur is designed to be a large-scale infrastructure venture, aimed at boosting electricity supply in Bihar. The plant will reportedly use ultra-supercritical technology, which is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional thermal power methods.
Adani Power has secured a Letter of Award from the Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd., committing to supply electricity for 25 years. The estimated investment for the project is around $3 billion, making it one of the largest power infrastructure projects in the region.
Election-Time Controversy
The Congress allegations come at a sensitive time as Bihar gears up for assembly elections. Prime Minister Modi, in response to opposition criticism, has accused the Congress-RJD alliance of supporting infiltrators for votes, claiming it endangers the state’s security.
The Prime Minister highlighted several development projects under his government, such as the inauguration of Purnea airport’s interim terminal and the launch of the National Makhana Board, to emphasize progress in Bihar ahead of the polls. Political analysts say that allegations like these may shape voter sentiment and influence the election outcome, given the timing and scale of the project.
Pre-Election Land Controversy
The Congress party’s claims about the Bhagalpur land allocation have introduced a new angle to Bihar’s pre-election debate. Whether these allegations impact the electoral prospects of the ruling party or change public perception remains uncertain. For now, the spotlight is on the Adani Group project and the political discourse surrounding it as the state heads to the polls.